HC Deb 11 March 1954 vol 524 cc2407-8
9 Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Labour what further action he proposes to take to secure suitable employment for Donald Wardhaugh, aged 20, of Walker, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, about whom he has received representations, in view of the fact that this poliomyelitis sufferer was trained as a bookkeeper and accountant over a year ago without result.

Sir W. Monckton

My local officers will continue to do all they can to assist Mr. Wardhaugh to find suitable work, but his field of employment is much restricted because he cannot negotiate steps or stairs and is unwilling to leave home. He is at present receiving tuition in commercial subjects on two evenings a week to enable him to become qualified in bookkeeping and accountancy.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is the Minister aware that in the tragic case of this young man efforts have been made to place him in the Ministry of National Insurance and in other places but that they say they cannot make provision for him because he cannot move out of his chair? Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman not do something to find a vacancy in either his own Ministry or the Ministry of National Insurance, where facilities exist for cases of this sort to be employed?

Sir W. Monckton

I assure the hon. Member that I have done all I could to inquire into this case. We offered this man an opportunity of going to Remploy, which might have been suitable, but he was not able to accept.