HC Deb 26 March 1970 vol 798 cc1633-4
31. Mr. Peter Archer

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the average number of severely disabled workers employed by Remploy Limited in 1969; and what was the corresponding figure for 1960.

Mr. Dell

The average number of severely disabled workers employed by Remploy Limited last year was 7,486, as compared with 6,329 in 1960. The policy of expansion is to continue in 1970.

Mr. Archer

Would my hon. Friend agree that the expansion is particularly gratifying in Remploy's silver jubilee year? Can he say what proportion of these workers are able, in time, to find their way back to normal industry?

Mr. Dell

I am glad that my hon. Friend has referred to the fact that this is Remploy's 25th anniversary year. I am sure that the House will wish to congratulate it on what it has achieved throughout that period. As to my hon. Friend's second point, I cannot give him an answer without notice. I am afraid that the proportion is not great. This type of employment is for people requiring sheltered employment.