§ 30. Mr. Peartasked the Minister of Labour how many registered disabled persons have been unemployed for a continuous period of more than three months.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and National Service (Mr. Robert Carr)Twenty-four thousand and forty-two on 10th December, 1956.
§ Mr. PeartWould not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the figure indicates that there is still a pressing problem, and a need to encourage organisations like Remploy to extend their work and to build new factories?
§ Mr. CarrI certainly would not be complacent about the problem. There is a small increase since last year. There has also been some increase in employment in Remploy.
§ Mr. PeartCan the Minister give an assurance that there will be no contraction of the work, and that new factories will be developed, if necessary?
§ Mr. CarrI have, in previous debates, given a number of assurances about the future of Remploy, and there is nothing I can add to what I have already said.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe Parliamentary Secretary will be aware that there is a continuing addition to the number of disabled in the mining industry. Is he paying special attention to them?
§ Mr. CarrI think that I can say "Yes" to that question, but if the right hon. Gentleman has a special point in mind I shall be glad if he will put down a Question about it.