asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many of his Department's offices open to the public are currently maintained; how many of these are accessible to disabled citizens in wheelchairs; and what measures he is taking to ensure that all such offices are accessible to disabled citizens in wheelchairs.

There are currently 497 DHSS local offices, of which 359 have arrangements for access by the physically disabled to all public areas. Provision of these facilities in all cases where the cost exceeds £1,000 is the responsibility of the Property Services Agency. It is its policy to ensure that all new buildings commissioned by the agency have satisfactory access facilities for disabled people and that existing buildings are adapted to meet their needs wherever this is practicable and funds permit.