§ 13 and 14. Mr. David Thomasasked the Minister of Labour (1) if the number of men and women who are unemployed at Aberdare and Mountain Ash, respectively, giving separate figures;
(2) how many of the unemployed men at Aberdare and Mountain Ash are partially disabled and fit only for suitable light work.
§ Mr. IsaacsAt 16th August there were 1,179 men and 372 women recorded as unemployed at the employment exchange at Aberdare. At Mountain Ash the figures were 620 men and 133 women. These figures include disabled persons classified as suitable for ordinary employment of whom there were 664 men at Aberdare and 390 men at Mountain Ash. 674 They do not include the severely disabled classified as needing sheltered employment of whom there were 74 at Aberdare and 47 at Mountain Ash.
§ Mr. ThomasIn view of the numbers just quoted, does not my right hon. Friend think it full time that an inquiry should be instituted with a view to these men, who have been unemployed for a considerable time, being given suitable employment, especially in these very serious times?
§ Mr. IsaacsThat inquiry is now proceeding, and, so far as the disabled persons arc concerned, it is proposed at the earliest opportunity to open a Remploy factory at Aberdare.