§ 38. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement on the Remploy Sponsor Scheme.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI understand that the Sponsor Scheme will enable Remploy Limited to undertake work for industrial firms engaged in light mass production manufacture. In the scheme which is shortly to operate with Messrs. Dowty Seals Limited at a Bristol Remploy factory, the firm will provide materials, additional equipment and tools, and Remploy will provide the labour, services and management of the factory. The firm will pay for the manufactured goods at an agreed price.
Remploy Limited is hopeful that arrangements will be concluded on similar lines with other firms with whom it is at present negotiating; it is satisfied that arrangements of this kind are in the best interests of the severely disabled workers, and it would welcome inquiries from any other interested firms.
§ Mr. WilleyIn view of the fact that the Parliamentary Secretary obviously appreciates that this is a very welcome development, will he encourage other Government Departments, possibly the Ministry of Supply, to adopt a similar attitude, if they can, towards Remploy?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI know the hon. Gentleman's interest in this matter, and I am grateful to him for having raised it, and I hope that his Question will bring the attention of a great many people to the matter.