Written question asked by Lord Carter (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Labour) on Monday, 27 February 2006.

Social Security: New Deal

Question: When an accessible version of the Green Paper A new deal for welfare will be published; whether there will be an extension to the consultation deadline for those requiring the accessible version; and whether the non-availability of an accessible version constitutes discrimination.

Answer: We launched our welfare reform Green Paper, A new deal for welfare: Empowering people to work, on 24 January. Since then, more than 2,500 copies have been distributed.We are also producing alternative versions of the Green Paper—Word, Braille, audio, large print, easy-read and Welsh language. People can request copies of these via our e-mail and telephone contact points. The Braille, audio and large print versions have already been distributed, and we took delivery of the Welsh language version on 15 February.It does take time to prepare the easy-read version in a properly accessible format, with appropriate illustrations. The first draft of that version has been approved and the final version will be with us on 27 February 2006. Given this delay, we will respond sensibly and sensitively to individuals who require additional time to make their response. We also have a telephone helpline to provide one-to-one advice to individuals and organisations in understanding our proposals.Ministers and officials worked closely with the stakeholder community over the past year in developing our proposals. We will continue to do so.

Secondary information