HC Deb 21 December 1976 vol 923 cc438-9
2. Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the latest figures relating to the employment of disabled people in the public sector.

The Under-Secretary of State for Employment (Mr. John Grant)

I did so in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr. Rooker) on Thursday 16th December last. The figures give concern in many instances, though it must be remembered that they relate only to those disabled employees who have registered. My ministerial colleagues are already considering what more might be done in the fields for which they have responsibility. The Manpower Services Commission will help here, and the Civil Service has already issued its own code of practice on employment and disabled people.

Mr. Rodgers

Are not the figures quoted totally deplorable? Does not the public sector have a special responsibility in this respect? Will my hon. Friend and the Minister responsible for the disabled get together to ensure greater opportunity for employment for the handicapped?

Mr. Grant

I certainly agree that many instances give great anxiety and that the figures leave much to be desired, in spite of the qualifications that I have made and that appear in the article in the Department of Employment Gazette, which disclosed the figures. The whole House should welcome the fact that these figures are now out in the open and we can see the size of the problem.

Mr. Hannam

Is the Minister aware that there has been a decline in the numbers of disabled in employment in the public sector and that at least the Government quota of 3 per cent. should be applied in the public sector?

Mr. Grant

I cannot but agree. The figures show a serious situation, and that is why we have published them. I have outlined a number of steps that we propose. We expect to publish early in the new year a guide for employers on the employment of the handicapped. I hope that it will be carefully looked at, borne in mind and acted upon by employers in both the public and private sectors.

Mr. Carter-Jones

Will my hon. Friend take a look at three factors, including the supply of equipment to enable disabled people to earn a living where they want to do so? Will he also see that the mobility allowances is augmented so that handicapped people may go to work freely in their own vehicles? Will he set up a special unit to advise disablement resettlement officers on the employment of the severely handicapped?

Mr. Grant

I doubt whether my hon. Friend's first suggestion is necessary. That situation is largely covered by existing arrangements. Mobility allowances are primarily a matter for the DHSS and the Employment Services Agency. The travel-to-work scheme is under active review. A good deal is already done about equipment, but we shall look at this matter again in view of my hon. Friend's remarks to see whether there is anything that we can do, and perhaps he has some suggestions.

Mr. Prior

Is the Minister aware that the whole House is very concerned about this matter and wishes to see the public sector fulfil its full quota of 3 per cent.? Is he aware that the Government have every support in carrying that through? Will he agree to report to the House in a few months to say what progress he has made in the achievement of this target?

Mr. Grant

Yes. That is a perfectly fair request and I am prepared to give that undertaking. The figures show that there is a great deal to be desired. Hon. Members may be able to bring influence to bear in their own areas, as I am trying to do in mine.