HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 cc339-40W
Paul Holmes

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what advice(a)her Department and (b) the Post Office has sought on the difficulties those suffering neurological conditions may have with collecting their benefits through the PIN key pad system; what measures will be taken to ensure that the PIN key pad system is accessible to those suffering neurological conditions; and if she will make a statement; [115107]

(2) what intermediate measures will be taken to ensure that disabled people collecting benefit through Post Office PIN key pads receive their benefit while the key pads are being adapted to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; what compensation will be given to those whose payment is delayed by the PIN key pad adjustments; and if she will make a statement; [115241]

(3) what estimate has been made of the cost of adapting the Post Offices PIN key pads to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; what adjustments will be necessary to ensure that the system complies with the Act; when the adjustments will be completed; and if she will make a statement; [115243]

(4) what representations she has received from groups that represent disabled people on the use of PIN key pads for people who occasionally ask someone else to collect their benefit; and if she will make a statement; [115242]

(5) what advice was sought on the compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 of the Post Office PIN key pad system for collecting benefit payments; what meetings have taken place with groups that represent disabled people about the suitability of the equipment; what advice the Department will seek on the compliance with the Act of adapted equipment; and if she will make a statement. [115244]

Mr. Timms

[holding answer 22 May 2003]The payment of and access to benefits and pensions is the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions. The accessibility of the Post Office card account, including issues around the use of PIN pads, is the responsibility for Post Office Ltd. The Department of Trade and Industry has not, therefore, sought its own advice on these issues.

The Post Office is working to ensure their services are as accessible to as many customers as possible. In the short term the Post Office intends to improve current PIN pads by fitting a guard over the buttons to help guide customers. I understand that this will be done as soon as possible. In the longer term they intend to look at technological options to provide a secure alternative to PIN pads for people with disabilities. I have asked the chief executive of Post Office Ltd to write direct to the hon. Member with further details.