§ 15. Mr. LI. Williamsasked the Minister of Labour how many registered disabled persons were on the books of the Abertillery Employment Exchange on April, 1950, April, 1955, April, 1960, and on the most recent available date, respectively.
§ Mr. GreenOne hundred and eighty-two, 66 and 59 registered disabled persons were unemployed in April, 1950, 1955, and 1960, respectively. On 20th November, 1960, there were 70 and on 20th November, 1961, 64.
§ Mr. LI. WilliamsWhile rejoicing that the figures are following a decreasing trend, may I ask the Minister if he is aware that these people, so often referred to as the forgotten men of industry in a township like Abertillery where there is so little alternative employment outside the heavy industries, have a very gloomy outlook ahead of them unless something is done to bring about a diversification of industry in this type of community?
§ Mr. GreenI do not dissent from what the hon. Gentleman has said and, like him, I am very glad that these figures show a real reduction between 1950 and the present time. The hon. Gentleman may be interested to know that out of the 64 now registered in Abertillery only 12 were considered to need sheltered employment, and we hope that Remploy's position will improve in the coming year so as to take at least some of them.