§ 48. Mr. Shurmerasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that unemployment among disabled persons in the City of Birmingham has increased by 50 per cent. since December last; and what action he is taking to find employment for these persons.
§ Mr. CarrYes, Sir. The number of unemployed registered disabled persons in the City of Birmingham has increased from 35 on 19th December, 1955, to 75 on 19th March, 1956. My local officers are doing all they can to help these people find suitable work and I think that their sympathy and efficiency in carrying out this service are widely known and appreciated.
§ Mr. ShurmerIs the Minister aware that the city's committee concerned with this matter is very disturbed about this increase in unemployment among disabled in a great industrial city like Birmingham? Would it not be better to spend the money on training these men for useful service rather than on unemployment pay? Cannot something be done for these persons?
§ Mr. CarrI assure the hon. Member that we look at this matter with great sympathy but the number represents only 1.2 per cent. of the total registered disabled persons in the city. There are two Remploy factories actively recruiting at the moment. However, I will keep the matter under review.