Remploy Ltd. (Re-organisation) (Hansard, 16 October 1952)

2. Miss Ward
asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement on the future of Remploy.

§ 15. Mr. Hayman
asked the Minister of Labour what are his intentions with regard to the possible expansion of the work of Remploy, Limited.

§ Sir W. Monckton
The 11th Report from the Select Committee on Estimates published during the Recess gives the Departmental reply to the Committee's recommendations on Remploy, Limited. Action outlined in the reply is being pursued: the Company has now set up seven product divisions which largely replace the old geographical divisions; it is reviewing the range of products to be made in factories to secure a better utilisation of layout and machinery; and it is re-organising its sales force. I cannot hold out hope in the near future of any increase in the number of factories or in the total number of severely disabled workers employed.
The period will be one of re-organisation and consolidation of the Company's trading position, and I am satisfied that the steps which are being taken by Remploy, Limited, will lead to a greater efficiency in production and an improvement in its trading position.

Miss Ward
In view of the fact that expert and informed opinion is very disquieted about the whole treatment of the disabled—not only people who are connected with Remploy, Ltd.—and presuming that my right hon. and learned Friend has had an opportunity of reading the article in "The Times" today, may I ask whether he will consider setting up a committee of experts to co-ordinate the work of all the Government Departments concerned so that the full provisions contained in the legislation may be put into operation for the benefit of the physically handicapped over a very much wider field?

§ Sir W. Monckton
My hon. Friend will appreciate that a great deal of the work which can be done to mitigate the hardships of the disabled falls outside the Department for which I am responsible, but I can assure her that, quite apart from the article, which I have read in this morning's newspaper, I have been in 355 touch and am in touch with the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Scotland. We are much concerned with the whole position and want to re-examine it.

§ Mr. Hayman
While thanking the Minister for his statement, may I ask him to consider whether the medical examination set for men acceptable for Remploy is not too narrow in its conception, and that there would be a far greater number of men quite suited for work in the Remploy factories if the medical conception were a bit wider?

§ Sir W. Monckton
The difficulty about that is, as the hon. Gentleman knows, that the standard is really statutorily laid down. They have not only to require work in sheltered conditions—if I may paraphrase the Section of the Act—but they must be capable of obtaining and retaining employment or work on their own, and to that standard the medical officers try to work. I will certainly look into the matter as the hon. Gentleman raises it.

Miss Ward
Will my right hon. and learned Friend report to the House on the fresh conversations that he has now opened with various right hon. Friends in his capacity as Minister of Labour?

§ Sir W. Monckton
I shall be glad in due course to inform the House of the conclusions which are reached. My hon. Friend will know that the Minister of Health is in a position to be in touch with the local authorities who have responsibilities in this matter. I think he has given them invitations to propose schemes. When I know what has happened on that I shall be prepared to answer another Question, if it is put down.

Mr. Lee
Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied that the volume of work coming from Government Departments and local authorities is the maximum obtainable; if not, could he widen the scope in order that the Act itself could be put more into operation?

§ Sir W. Monckton
I am obliged for that suggestion. The hon. Gentleman has knowledge of the work of the Department, and he will be glad to know that we have appointed a liaison officer in the Ministry to assure ourselves that we get priority in Government work.