Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with particular reference to autism, what information his Department holds on the changes to Blue Badge criteria in Scotland and Wales; and whether he plans to bring forward proposals for similar changes in England.

The Blue Badge criteria are devolved matters so the Department for Transport does not hold specific information on Scotland and Wales. I am aware of the schemes in those countries but have no plans to change eligibility in England. The regulations already provide that a local authority may issue a badge in respect of any permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.