§ 1. Mr. Westasked the Minister of Labour what is the number of disabled persons registered in the Pontypool Exchange under the Disabled Persons Employment Act; and whether he proposes to establish a disabled persons sheltered employment factory in the area.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)On 19th August, 1946, there were 984 persons registered as disabled at the Pontypool Exchange; of this number 116 were unemployed, including 38 who are considered to require employment under sheltered conditions. The current building programme of the Disabled Persons Employment Corporation does not provide for the opening of a factory at Pontypool, but facilities for sheltered employment will be provided there as soon as the prior claims of areas with greater need have been met.
§ Mr. WestCan the Minister say the minimum number of disabled persons necessary to provide a British factory?
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir. It is impossible to give a figure like that because it depends upon the nature and the extent of their disability. However, I can say that Pontypool is in the list for consideration in the near future.