HC Deb 10 February 1947 vol 433 cc1377-9
52. Mr. Martin Lindsay

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-Servicemen in receipt of disability pensions are unemployed; and how many of these are in receipt of unemployment allowances.

Mr. Isaacs

I regret that statistics giving the information desired are not available. The total number of ex-Servicemen on the Disabled Persons Register who were unemployed at 20th January was 43,819.

53. Mr. Mellish

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is satisfied with the results achieved by the recent exhibition in Oxford Street, which showed the disabled at work.

Mr. Isaacs

Yes, Sir. The exhibition was open from 8th January to 1st February and, despite the inclement weather, was seen by 62,786 visitors, including large numbers of employers. The object of the exhibition was to bring home to the public, and particularly to employers, what is being done to re-establish disabled persons in useful employment; and I am convinced that it was successful. So much so, that I would like to take this opportunity of appealing to all employers and managements to give the disabled every chance to use their gifts, and to show that they can hold their place in industry alongside their able-bodied fellow workers.

Sir P. Hannon

Is not it a fact that for a long period of years the employers of this country have made every possible effort to provide work for men and women in the category to which he has just referred?

Mr. Isaacs

I will be fair. A great number have, but a great number have not. I must say, since the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act has been passed there has been a very genuine effort on the part of employers.

Mr. Mellish

Will the Minister indicate whether it is the intention to extend this exhibition to the provinces?

Mr. Isaacs

We will have a look at it as soon as the better weather comes, to see if we can do anything.

Mr. Collins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some employers are unable to secure sufficient disabled trainees; and is he satisfied that the arrangements are sufficiently satisfactory to enable employers to obtain the services of these men?

Mr. Isaacs

I am totally unaware of the first part of my hon. Friend's question. If he will give me any instances of employers who have been unable to get the services of disabled workers we will take it up. As for training facilities, I am satisfied they are quite adequate.