Written question asked by Michael John Foster (Labour) on Thursday, 21 January 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 February 1999. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 February 1999 on behalf of the Welsh Office.

Welsh Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what plans he has for departmental (a) White and (b) Green Papers to be made available on floppy disk format in a form which facilitates access for the visually impaired. - Inc ref to V324 c296W.

Answer: Mr. Michael J. Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for departmental (a) White and (b) Green Papers to be made available on floppy disk format in a form which facilitates access for the visually impaired. [67850] Mr. Michael: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office on 27 January 1999, Official Report, column 296. In considering the changes in IT needed in preparation for the arrival of the National Assembly for Wales, I have asked my officials to make provisions for making documents and information accessible to people for whom the standard printed form is not appropriate. This will include floppy disk versions which are in a format which facilitates access for the visually impaired. Guidance on how to reach the largest possible target audience when producing documents for use by people outside the Department, including White and Green Papers, has been issued to staff at the Welsh Office. The Guidance will also be incorporated into a revised Equal Opportunities Handbook.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 67850; 324 c557W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Software Disability aids Government departments Visual impairment White papers Consultation papers Welsh Office