HC Deb 24 June 1959 vol 607 c1188
49 and 50. Mr. Hannan

asked the Minister of Labour (1), if he will now make available training allowances to young people who are deaf and dumb and in need of such training either for open or sheltered employment;

(2) if he is aware of the inadequacy and restricted scope of training allowances for disabled persons, particularly young people, entering employment; and if he will consider this problem at an early date for the purpose of making improvements.

Mr. Iain Macleod

These allowances, which are payable to trainees both for open and sheltered employment, were revised just over a year ago. The increases then introduced apply, subject to adjustments for age, to disabled young persons who may be accepted for training, including the deaf and dumb. I am writing to the hon. Member on this subject in greater detail.

Mr. Hannan

Is the Minister aware that some allowances are available only to young people who suffer from multiple hardships or handicaps, and that, therefore, those who suffer from being dumb or indeed blind are not eligible for the grants? Moreover, is he aware that the interpretation of the word "disabled" is restricting the number of people who are eligible for the grants?

Mr. Macleod

I do not think that all the points which the hon. Member has raised are valid. I think that perhaps the hon. Member is basing himself on the Montgomerie Report, with which he is probably familiar. That Report relates to 1956, and the improvements that I announced to the House both in May and December of last year are later than that. Therefore, they cover some of the points that have been raised.