§ 29. Mr. John Pageasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity if she will state the number of registered disabled unemployed on 1st April this year and for the same date in 1966, 1967, 1968 and 1969.
§ 53. Mr. Mawbyasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many registered disabled were unemployed at the latest date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. DellThe April 1970 unemployment figures for registered disabled persons are not yet available. On 9th March 1970 in Great Britain 73,037 registered disabled persons were registered as unemployed. The March figures in the previous years are as follows:
| 1966 | 46,551 |
| 1967 | 58,500 |
| 1968 | 66,240 |
| 1969 | 69,758 |
§ Mr. PageThese figures are rather horrific. They have almost doubled since 1966. Will the Minister and his right hon. Friend do something with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to get rid of S.E.T., which is the real cause of increases in the unemployment of disabled persons?
§ Mr. DellThere is no evidence for that statement. Action is being taken to deal with this very difficult problem, which is a matter for great concern. In particular, we are strengthening and reorganising the disablement resettlement advisory services, and our reorganisation should be fully operational by the summer. In addition, we have increased 1444 the facilities for industrial rehabilitation, vocational training and sheltered employment.
§ Mr. MawbyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that any rise in the overall figures of disabled unemployed is very serious, as we all accept that this is the most vulnerable section of employed persons? Will the Minister give special attention to this matter and do everything that he possibly can to reduce the unemployment of registered disabled?
§ Mr. DellI entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman that this is the most vulnerable section. We shall certainly do all that we can to assist in situations such as exist at present.
Mr. R. C. MitchellIn answer to the original Question my right hon. Friend said that he had no evidence that the payment of S.E.T. on disabled workers was having any effect on employment. Will my right hon. Friend tell us where his evidence for that comes from, because it is contrary to the evidence that I have?
§ Mr. DellI answered a Question in the House on this point some time ago. The evidence comes from our officers in the regions and from an examination of the figures. I am prepared to send the detailed evidence to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. PageOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the extremely unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall try to raise the matter on the Adjournment.