7. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Ian Fraserasked the Minister of Labour when the full machinery of the Disabled Persons Act will be in operation all over the country; and what interim arrangements he is making to deal with the immediate problem of finding suitable employment for disabled persons.
§ Mr. BevinI am anxious to bring into early operation those parts of the Act providing for vocational training and industrial rehabilitation courses, for the establishment of a National Advisory Council, and for arrangements for the provision of sheltered employment for severely-disabled persons. The full scheme, including the compulsory employment of a quota of disabled persons, is not intended to be put into operation at the present stage. In the meantime, the provisions of the interim scheme, which include vocational training and special arrangements for placing, are being developed and extended. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of a revised leaflet which has just been issued on this scheme.
§ Sir I. FraserWill my right hon. Friend consider whether he can set up this Advisory Council, or something like it, forthwith, so as to bring into consultation with him voluntary agencies like the British Legion, St. Dunstan's, the National Institute for the Blind, and others, which might be able to help in dealing with individual cases at this stage?
§ Mr. BevinYes, I am pursuing that actively. I think that in a very short time I may be able to make an announcement as to its constitution.
§ Mr. McEnteeWill the leaflets to which my right hon. Friend referred be made available to all Members?