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Post Office (Pin Pads)

Volume 406: debated on Tuesday 3 June 2003

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To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment she has made of the compliance of Post Office Ltd. with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 regarding PIN pads in Post Office branches; and if she will make a statement; [116151](2) what her estimate is of the cost of replacing all PIN pads in Post Office branches which are not compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995; and if she will make a statement; [116117](3) what discussions she has had with Post Office Ltd. to ensure that PIN pads were in place in every Post Office branch by 1 April 2003; and whether the issue of compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 was discussed. [116116]

The accessibility of the Post Office card account, including issues around the use of PIN pads, is the responsibility for Post Office Ltd. The Department of Trade and Industry has not, therefore, sought its own advice on these issues.The Post Office is working to ensure their services are as accessible to as many customers as possible. In the short term, the Post Office intends to improve current PIN pads by fitting a guard over the buttons to help guide customers. I understand that this will be done as soon as possible. In the longer term they intend to look at technological options to provide a secure alternative to PIN pads for people with disabilities. I have asked the Chief Executive of Post office Ltd. to write direct to the hon. Member with further details.