Written question asked by John Robertson (Labour) on Thursday, 11 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour) on Thursday, 18 November 2004 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, what recent discussions her Department has had with Ofcom on the needs of the blind and the visually impaired; if she will make it her policy to ensure that Ofcom consults widely with the visually impaired.

Answer: John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what recent discussions her Department has had with Ofcom on the needs of the blind and the visually impaired; [198251] (2) if she will make it her policy to ensure that Ofcom consults widely with the visually impaired. [198252] Estelle Morris: The Department is in contact with Ofcom on these issues as necessary. In particular, we recently asked Ofcom to review the statutory target for audio description on television and consider whether the 10 per cent. target should be raised. It will be doing this as part of the first review of the code setting out the requirements on broadcasters. In drawing up this code, Ofcom has a specific statutory obligation to consult those representing the interests of persons who are blind or partially sighted. More generally, Ofcom has statutory duties to establish and maintain effective arrangements for consultation; to have regard to the needs of persons with disabilities; to include among appointees to the Consumer Panel persons who are able to give informed advice about the interests of persons with disabilities; and to establish an advisory committee on elderly and disabled persons.

Secondary information