HC Deb 18 November 1952 vol 507 cc1561-2
6. Mr. G. R. Howard

asked the Minister of Labour for a statement as to the employment of disabled persons.

Sir W. Monckton

After consultation with my right hon. Friends, I have accepted the recommendation of the National Advisory Council on the Employment of the Disabled that a further inquiry should be held into all aspects of the rehabilitation and resettlement of disabled persons. The composition and terms of reference of this inquiry are under consideration.

Mr. Howard

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this will cause great satisfaction, and we hope the answer will soon be forthcoming? I also hope that my right hon. and learned Friend is aware that many of his local employment agencies, especially in the St. Ives division, have already been of great help in this matter.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

Will the Minister consider including the special position of the house-bound in the terms of reference of the proposed inquiry?

Sir W. Monckton

That is one of the points which I think must be considered by anyone dealing with the question of the disabled.

Mr. Chetwynd

Will the terms of reference include reference to the quota of 3 per cent. and whether it is high enough at the present time?

Sir W. Monckton

I think I had better say about that question that the terms of reference have to be arranged between myself and my right hon. Friends. They are being discussed at official level, and I shall make an announcement as soon as I can.

Miss Ward

Can my right hon. and learned Friend give any indication of the types of people or of the organisations he intends to invite to serve on the committee, or has that not yet been decided?

Sir W. Monckton

No, Sir. That is the very point which has not yet been decided. It has to be considered not by me alone but by some of my right hon. Friends also.

Mr. Lee

Is the Minister aware that those of us who are concerned about the employment of the disabled are very worried about the Home Secretary's decision to increase the working hours in prisons, as we know the competition which exists for work in Government Departments as between prisoners and Remploy employees? Is the Minister sure that this will not adversely affect Remploy?

Sir W. Monckton

I think that is a different question, but I will certainly pay attention to it.