Installing Access Symbols at Tables Reserved for Disabled and Care-givers

Mr Murali Pillai asked the Minister for National Development whether BCA can enhance the requirement set out in the Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment 2013 for access symbols to be affixed on tables set aside for use by persons with disabilities at eating houses so as to make clear that the fixed seats provided at such tables are reserved for accompanying caregivers, family members or friends of persons with disabilities and not for general use.

The Senior Minister of State for National Development (Mr Desmond Lee) (for the Minister for National Development): The Code on Accessibility already requires eating establishments like hawker centres, food courts, fast food outlets and restaurants to set aside at least one in every 10 tables for use by persons with disabilities. A symbol of access is affixed to these tables.

The intention is clearly to give priority to persons with disabilities and their companions. People are kind and compassionate, by and large, and if a person with disability and his or her companions need to use one of these tables, I think it would be rare for able-bodied diners not to vacate and to allow them to do so. Ultimately, what we want is an inclusive and gracious society and we will certainly take the Member's feedback and send it, pass it on to the BCA.

1.30 pm

Mdm Speaker: Order. End of question time. Introduction of Bills. Minister for Transport.

[ Pursuant to Standing Order No. 22(3), Written Answers to Question Nos. 18, 20-21, 23 and 27 on the Order Paper are reproduced in the Appendix. Question Nos. 16-17, 19, 22 and 24-26 have been postponed to the sitting of Parliament on 10 November 2016. ]