§ 9. Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the average monthly number of permits to employ non-disabled people which were issued to firms employing less than their quota of disabled in 1968; and how many permits were issued in December, 1967 and December, 1968.
§ Mr. FernyhoughI regret that this information is not readily available. Figures are collected on an annual basis and relate to the number of firms which have received permits and not to the number of separate permits issued.
§ Mr. AshleyAs the unemployment rate for the disabled is over 10 per cent. and over half the employers responsible are employing less than their quota of the disabled, with or without permits, what measures are the Government proposing to deal with the problem?
§ Mr. FernyhoughSince my hon. Friend raised this matter in an Adjournment debate before Christmas, I have had the opportunity to meet my regional officers who have responsibility in this matter, and we are now examining how much we can do to meet the position that causes my hon. Friend so much concern.