HC Deb 28 January 1958 vol 581 cc192-3
30. Mr. Collins

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made with the Departments concerned in enlarging both the range and quantities of goods purchased by the Government from Remploy and other official organisations of handicapped workers, and from Her Majesty's Prison Commissioners; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Amory

As my predecessor explained in answer to a Question from the hon. Member on 4th June last, Her Majesty's Government are making efforts to enlarge the range and quantity of goods supplied from these sources; this is not an easy task, but discussions are continuing.

Mr. Collins

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his predecessor, in answering me in June last, expressed sympathy? Is not January about the time when we should take some action? Will he look at this matter personally, because I am sure that he will find that the Treasury is the only obstacle to a sensible arrangement in this matter for the benefit of disabled people? Will he particularly look into the Treasury Circular of October, 1950, and see whether he can resolve the contradictions in paragraph 4, because, if so, the problem of the disabled will be solved?

Mr. Amory

I should not like it to be thought that the Treasury is the obstacle here. I will look at the Circular to which the hon. Gentleman has referred me, and communicate with him about it; but I do not want the hon. Gentleman to feel that we are just stopping at sympathy. I think some progress is being made in these difficult matters, and my hon. and learned Friend the Financial Secretary is giving them his personal attention.