§ 3. Mr. Hunterasked the Minister of Labour the number of disabled persons registered for employment at his Departments employment exchanges in January, 1959.
§ Mr. WoodThe number of unemployed disabled persons registered at employment exchanges on 19th January, 1959, was 63,079.
§ Mr. HunterIn view of the great difficulty which disabled people are finding in securing employment—I have cases in my constituency—will the Minister issue an appeal to employers' organisations to consider suitable vacancies for disabled persons?
§ Mr. WoodI certainly hope that employers will take notice of the hon. Gentleman's Question. In the last year, when unemployment generally has increased, unemployment among the disabled has increased very much more 1091 slowly, and, as the disabled are by definition substantially handicapped in getting and keeping employment, I think that this is reasonably satisfactory, although any increase is obviously to be deplored.
Mr. LeeAre employers generally keeping to the usual ratio between the disabled and the other employees?