Disabled Persons

HC Deb 03 February 1948 vol 446 cc1613-5

8. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Labour how many disabled ex-Service men there are in Newport; when the new factory providing work for them and authorised in 1946 will be started; and if no provision is to be made this year whether he will take steps to make temporary provision in existing premises which are available in Newport.

Mr. Isaacs

The number of disabled ex-Service men recorded as unemployed in Newport on 15th December was 197, of whom 32 were classified as severely disabled and needing sheltered employment. The acquisition of a site for the factory proposed by the Disabled Persons Employment Corporation has proved exceptionally difficult. There is one under consideration but its availability for this purpose is not yet confirmed and it is not possible, therefore, to say when constructional work will commence. Efforts have been made to secure temporary premises, but none of those suggested has proved suitable. If my hon. Friend is aware of any premises which may be suitable I should be glad if he would let me know of them.

Mr. Freeman

Is there any chance of these men getting any other work, and if I submit the names of other places, will the Minister make further investigations?

Mr. Isaacs

I should be grateful if the hon. Member would do that, because we are most anxious to get this work going.

9. Mrs. Ridealgh

asked the Minister of Labour how many registered disabled men are signing on at the Ilford employment exchange and what steps are being taken to provide them with suitable employment.

Mr. Isaacs

The number of registered disabled men recorded as unemployed at the Ilford employment exchange on 15th December, 1947, was 157, of whom 40 were classified as severely disabled and needing sheltered employment. Every effort is made through the Ilford exchange both under the quota scheme and otherwise to find suitable employment for these men.

Mrs. Ridealgh

Could not the Chadwell Heath training centre be used for the purpose of finding work for those disabled men? This training centre has been stopped owing to the cut in capital expenditure, but part of it is quite capable of employing many people. Could it not be used to find work for these men?

Mr. Isaacs

I could not answer definitely off-hand, but I will promise to have the matter looked into at once.