Remploy Limited, Glasgow

HC Deb 08 April 1963 vol 675 cc903-4

26. Mr. Millan

asked the Minister of Labour what is the total employment by Remploy Limited in Glasgow.

Mr. Hare

One hundred and seventy-four severely disabled people.

Mr. Millan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are no fewer than 2,400 registered disabled unemployed in Glasgow? Is it not about time that, as his contribution towards solving this problem of disabled unemployed, the right hon. Gentleman expanded the Remploy facilities in the City?

Mr. Hare

I must correct the hon. Gentleman. There were 2,420 disabled people unemployed in the Glasgow area on 11th March of whom 138 were severely disabled eligible for employment by Remploy.

Mr. Lee

There was a time when Remploy facilities expanded rapidly. Because of the general unemployment situation, it is naturally harder for disabled people to obtain work. Will the right hon. Gentleman look at the whole policy of Remploy to find out whether it is appropriate that it should be expanded?

Mr. Hare

The hon. Gentleman may not be aware of this, but last year I announced a considerable extension of the activities of Remploy.

Mr. Millan

Even slightly disabled people in Glasgow have extreme difficulty in getting other employment. Some of these people have been unemployed for long periods. There is a need for expansion and a new policy.

Mr. Hare

Not necessarily with Remploy. All this hinges on the main question of getting more industry into areas of high unemployment such as Glasgow. Once that happens we shall be able to absorb the disabled people whom the hon. Gentleman has in mind.