Disabled Persons (Hansard, 27 March 1973)

§ 5. Mr. William Hamilton
asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the latest figure for unemployment among the registered disabled in Scotland; what was the comparable figure in each of the previous three years; and what progress has been made towards ensuring that firms comply with the law in the employment of such persons.

§ Mr. Dudley Smith
On 12th February there were 9,738 registered disabled people unemployed in Scotland. This compares with 11,264 in February 1972, 9,724 in February 1971 and 8,640 in February 1970. My Department continues to take all reasonable measures to ensure that employers fulfil their statutory obligations.

§ Mr. Hamilton
Does the hon. Gentleman agree that these figures are far too high? What is the figure expressed as a percentage compared with the percentage of able-bodied people who are unemployed? Will he ask each firm that is not complying with the law to give specific reasons why it should not conform?

§ Mr. Smith
Yes, Sir, the figure is too high but it has improved. The percentage total of unemployment among registered disabled persons is 13.4 per cent. We are reviewing all our specialised services for the disabled, and I am glad to announce that we shall shortly publish a consultative document on the quota scheme which goes into the question how much employers should be pressurised or whether we should adhere to the previous method of acting by persuasion. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will let us have his views when he has read the consultative document.

§ Mr. Marten
Apart from the review of specialised services, which is much appreciated, is there not almost a failure to advertise the need for firms to take up the quota of 3 per cent. registered disabled? Would not such advertisement bring mounting pressure from the public on firms to do the right thing?

§ Mr. Smith
Yes, Sir, there is something in that, but because of the extra efforts made by my Department in the last two years more and more employers are becoming aware of their obligations. This whole issue is dealt with in the consultative document and hon. Members on both sides of the House will find it fascinating reading.

10. Mr. R. C. Mitchell
asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied that there are adequate employment facilities for the disabled in the Southampton area.

§ Mr. Dudley Smith
I am glad to say that the employment position for the disabled people in the area has improved significantly over the last year and that the number of unemployed registered disabled people has fallen from 509 in March 1972 to 451 on 12th March 1973. There is of course room for further improvement and my Department will continue to make all possible efforts to place those affected in suitable work.

Mr. Mitchell
Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I am receiving an increasing number of letters from disabled people in the Southampton area complaining that they are finding great difficulty in obtaining employment? Is he satisfied that firms in the area are taking up their full quota of disabled people?

§ Mr. Smith
At the last count 33.9 per cent. of employers in the area with a quota obligation were fulfilling it. That compares unfavourably with the national figure of 42.2 per cent. I inquired whether there were any special reasons, and I understand that there are not. We do all we can. I mentioned in reply to an earlier question, before the hon. Member entered the Chamber, that we are considering this matter. We will publish a consultative document about the quota system. I hope that that will bring about improvements when a final decision is made.

Mr. S. James A. Hill
Is my hon. Friend aware that in the survey carried out by the Department of Health and Social Security the percentage of disabled in the South West was the highest in the country? Can he say whether there is any expansion in the vocational training facilities in my area?

§ Mr. Smith
Yes, I am aware of the figures that my hon. Friend quotes. Vocational training facilities in the area are being considerably expanded. The Southampton Government training centre was expanded last year by 116 places to a total of 387. A further 40 places will be added shortly. In addition, a centre with 148 places is due to be opened in Portsmouth in the near future. Improvements are taking place, but I am well aware of the difficulties in the area.