§ 3. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that there is growing unemployment in workshops for the blind caused by the fact that fishing bins formerly made of basketwork are now being made of aluminium; how many blind workers in Scotland, England and Wales, respectively, during the last 12 months, have sustained unemployment in this way; how many are now unemployed; and what steps he is taking to deal with this problem.
§ Sir W. MoncktonNo, Sir, but I will make inquiries and will write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. HughesWhile I thank the Minister for that, does he realise that it is very important not to waste any of the technical skill of these blind persons, not only on national grounds but also on humanitarian grounds?
§ Sir W. MoncktonYes, Sir. The fact is that the next review of the employment position in workshops for the blind will take place at the end of this month, and I will arrange for special reference to be made to unemployment among workers on fishing baskets. I cannot anticipate the result.