Lord Carterasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ensure that when government documents are to be issued in formats accessible to disabled people such formats are available at the same time as the publication of the original documents. [HL2837]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonThe cost of producing documents in accessible formats is significant and the demand for these is difficult to forecast.
Based on current levels of demand, the cost of producing all government documents in alternative formats at the same time as publication of the original documents would be disproportionate. Alternative format copies can generally be made available within four to five working days and within a maximum of 10 working days of receipt of a request. Where departments can forecast a demand for copies in advance they are produced at the same time. Simultaneous publication online of government documents has allowed greater manipulation and has provided more flexible options for the visually impaired.