HC Deb 19 March 1974 vol 870 cc824-6
1. Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the current rate of unemployment of registered disabled people; what steps the Government are taking to reduce the rate; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State, Department of Employment (Mr. Albert Booth)

About 11 per cent. registered disabled people were unemployed in February. My right hon. Friend is now considering reactions from interested bodies to the comprehensive review which my Department has been undertaking of its services for the disabled; and he will then put forward plans for improvements.

Mr. Ashley

In view of that shocking figure, will my hon. Friend either undertake to make the present system work or find an effective alternative? Will he consider these alternatives? First, will he consider making every employer pay for his quota of 3 per cent. disabled workers or, alternatively, pay for the equivalent of the 3 per cent. quota into a central fund whether he employs them or not? The shoe would then be on the other foot. Employers would want to employ disabled workers instead of disabled workers seeking work. Second, will my hon. Friend consider applying a subsidy principle to all severely disabled workers?

Mr. Booth

The quota scheme is being reviewed along with the Department's other policies and services for the disabled. In the light of the many comments received on the Department's consultative document, we shall be considering whether any changes in the scheme or its administration are necessary. We need a little time to take stock, but I assure my hon. Friend that we shall not make any change unless we are absolutely sure that it is in the best interests of the disabled.

My hon. Friend, with his deep interest in this problem, will be aware that one of the options for the future is the development of the quota scheme set out in the consultative document issued by the previous administration. We shall consider this possible course of action, along with others set out in the consultative document, in the light of the comments we have received.

The possibility of a subsidy being paid based on the degree of disability for all severely disabled workers is being considered. However, I should point out that this is considered in the consultative document, which indicates that there are a number of serious disadvantages to this approach.

Mr. Marten

Although one naturally wishes to consider what the hon. Gentleman has just said, as it was a long statement may I ask whether he will nevertheless use his good offices in the meantime to persuade the trade unions to use their maximum influence on employers to employ their full quota of registered disabled?

Mr. Booth

Yes. Trade unions are very much concerned with this problem. They have an important rôle to play in influencing employers. I take the hon. Gentleman's suggestion very much to heart.

Mr. Carter-Jones

Although my hon. Friend's answer is satisfactory, does he not consider that there are people who are not on the register because they are too severely disabled? In his review will he consider the possibilities of employing young technologists who are prepared to tackle the problem of the severely handicapped and bring those who want to work into employment? Will he please give this matter earnest consideration?

Mr. Booth

That is an aspect of the problem which has to be considered before we can say fully how far we can go in changing services for the disabled. But I appreciate the point. There is a special rôle here. We must first determine how far this is a question of sheltered employment and how far it is a question of placement within industry. My immediate reaction is that it has a place in both areas of concern for the disabled.

Mrs. Winifred Ewing

Does the Minister agree that there are many people who, for one reason or another, are not willing to be placed on the register? May I ask what steps he has in mind to seek to ensure that the Department has the fullest information on all disabled persons so that they may be helped?

Mr. Booth

There are responsibilities other than those of my Department for ensuring that all disabled people are registered with local authorities. In so far as this is the responsibility of my Department, however, I am anxious that we should not do anything to deter people from remaining in employment, even if they do not register their disablement. That is one of the facets that has to be borne in mind, despite the importance of the main consideration voiced by the hon. Lady.