Written question asked by Jonathan Djanogly (Conservative) on Tuesday, 27 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 December 2001. It was answered by Lord Whitehead (Labour) on Thursday, 6 December 2001 on behalf of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Dept for Transport Local Government and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, whether the e-voting equipment to be procured by his Department for the electoral pilots in the May 2002 local elections will include an (a) screen magnification software, (b) screen reader software, (c) Braille displays and (d) other adaptive technology for visually impaired people. - (Holding answer 5 December 2001).

Answer: Mr. Djanogly: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions whether the e-voting equipment to be procured by his Department for the electoral pilots in the May 2002 local elections will include an (a) screen magnification software, (b) screen reader software, (c) Braille displays and (d) other adaptive technology for visually impaired people. [19843] Dr. Whitehead: [holding answer 5 December 2001]: Enabling greater access for sections of the electorate less likely to vote is one of the criteria for selecting e-voting pilots for the May 2002 local elections. Local authorities and suppliers chosen as pilots will be expected to show how they meet this criterion. At this stage the Government do not want to anticipate the outcome of these pilots about the best technology to help people with a visual impairment, but technologies such as screen magnification software and Braille displays could well feature in proposals put forward by local authorities and suppliers.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 376 c441W; 19843
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Software Computers Disability aids Braille Elections Local government Pilot schemes Visual impairment Voting methods
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk