HC Deb 26 June 1967 vol 749 cc85-6
41. Mr. Alan Lee Williams

asked the Minister without Portfolio what action is being taken to co-ordinate the services for the disabled.

Mr. Gordon Walker

I am in constant touch with my colleagues in social services Departments about the need for and possibilities of concerted action as part of the review of social services.

Mr. Williams

Is any action being taken, as suggested by the Disablement Income Group, to find out the number and needs of disabled people?

Mr. Gordon Walker

Yes, we are considering this very carefully. There are problems, of course, of identification and definition. A feasibility study is being made by Bedford College on behalf of the Minister of Health and we are awaiting that before proceeding further with any surveys which we may make ourselves.

Mr. Braine

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, for the first time since the passing of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, 1944, the Government themselves are failing to employ the required 3 per cent. disabled persons? As a job is vital to the rehabilitation of the disabled and as the Government are expected to set a good example in these matters, cannot the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that he will co-ordinate the efforts of his colleagues in this matter?

Mr. Gordon Walker

I will certainly talk to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour who is primarily responsible for the specific matter which the hon. Gentleman has mentioned.