HC Deb 30 July 1946 vol 426 cc760-1
16 and 17. Mr. Warbey

asked the Minister of Labour (1) whether he is now in a position to announce an increase in the standard percentage under the quota scheme for the employment of disabled persons;

(2) what employments are to be designated under Section 12 of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, 1944.

Mr. Ness Edwards

After consultation with the British Employers' Confederation, the Trades Union Congress General Council and the National Advisory Council on the Employment of the Disabled, my right hon. Friend has made Orders raising the standard percentage from 2 per cent. to 3 per cent. as from 1st September, and designating, under Section 12 of the Act, employment as passenger electric lift attendant and as car park attendant from the same date.

Mr. Warbey

While thanking my hon. Friend for the improvement in the standard quota, may I ask if he will bear in mind that five out of six of the rather large total of unemployed disabled persons are registered as fit for normal employment, and that very many firms are already employing above the quota of three per cent.? Will he look into the position within the next month or two to see whether this improvement will in fact enable a larger proportion of disabled persons to be employed?

Mr. Edwards

The National Advisory Council are keeping this problem under close scrutiny and will advise the Minister from time to time.