A DISABLED woman who broke her back five years ago claims she is being denied access to Ilkley Moor because of speed bumps which are too painful for her to drive over. Christine Gale, of Addingham, is calling on Bradford Council to assess whether the traffic-calming measures it has introduced on the route are preventing disabled drivers from using it.
My Lords, I start by welcoming the noble Lord, Lord McKenzie, to his new DWP duties. I have always found him open, courteous, thoughtful and honest in our exchanges on Treasury matters. I hope that by saying that I am not putting the kibosh on his career when Gordon Brown takes over. The House has been very fortunate in recent years in all its Work and Pensions Ministers: the noble Baroness, Lady Hollis, the noble Lord, Lord Hunt, and now the noble Lord, Lord McKenzie.
My Lords, it is a pleasure to follow the noble Lord, Lord Morris of Manchester, who has done so much for disabled people over the years.
Lords Oakeshott, Kirkwood, Addington and Baroness Thomas welcome plans to help long term unemployed back in to work, but warn that the Bill will need careful scrutiny and clarification to ensure its success.
Lord Bradshaw and Baroness Scott address problems of funding and execution in the legislation to provide free bus travel for the over 60's.
A disabled Edinburgh woman has been indecently assaulted in her own home by a man who claimed he was a doctor.