§ 6. Mr. Oliverasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the high percentage of registered disabled persons unemployed in Ilkeston, Heanor, Ripley and Alfreton; and what steps are being taken to enlarge the field of employment in useful and remunerative work.
§ Mr. P. ThomasThe rate of unemployment among registered disabled persons in these areas is lower than the rate among registered disabled persons in Great Britain as a whole. Our disablement resettlement officers take every opportunity of finding suitable openings for the disabled.
§ Mr. OliverI am glad to know that the percentage is lower in this area than in others, but it is quite high. The point which arises out of the Question is that the prospect for men out of work, in a district where industry is predominantly heavy, is remote. Those out of work have a very remote chance of finding employment unless there is some 6 enlargement of the field of work in which they can be employed, such as Remploy and similar occupations.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. I hope that the hon. and learned Member will come to the question.
§ Mr. OliverI beg your pardon, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerI was waiting for some interrogatory matter.
§ Mr. OliverSurely it was a natural sequence to the Answer.
§ Mr. SpeakerIt is not the time to make speeches but the time to ask Questions. I have to go on about it in order to keep the House on the move.
§ Mr. ThomasI agree with the hon. and learned Member that, in the main, the jobs in the area are heavy and, as such are unsuitable for disabled persons, but I am glad to say that about 400 additional jobs are expected to accrue in these areas, and the disablement re-settlement officers will see that disabled people benefit when these openings occur.