Written question asked by Roger Berry (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 July 2002. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 July 2002 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make it her policy to place a duty upon OFCOM (a) to ensure that inclusive design principles inform the development of all future digital communication technologies, facilities, services and equipment, (b) to promote the need for disability awareness and equality training throughout the communication industries and (c) to ensure that accessible communications services, equipment and facilities, with special emphasis on training and continuing support in their use, are made readily available to consumers who are disabled at no extra cost.

Answer: Mr. Berry: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make it her policy to place a duty upon Ofcom (a) to ensure that inclusive design principles inform the development of all future digital communication technologies, facilities, services and equipment, (b) to promote the need for disability awareness and equality training throughout the communication industries and (c) to ensure that accessible communications services, equipment and facilities, with special emphasis on training and continuing support in their use, are made readily available at no extra cost to consumers who are disabled. [67783] Dr. Howells: Ofcom must have regard to the needs of people with disabilities in carrying out all of its functions--this requirement is in Clause 3(2)d of the draft Communications Bill. Although there is no specific requirement on Ofcom to ensure that communications equipment is provided for disabled users the EC Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive permits the EC Commission to decide that particular types of apparatus shall support certain features for disabled users. The Government is working to improve the range of communications equipment available for disabled users through raising awareness of their needs among equipment designers and manufacturers.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 67783; 389 c406W;389 c405-6W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Access Disability Design Digital broadcasting Disability aids Digital technology Equipment Ofcom Telecommunications Training
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk