HC Deb 20 May 1986 vol 98 cc171-2
12. Mr. Ashley

asked the Paymaster General what is the current rate of unemployment for registered disabled people.

Mr. Lang

There were 26,396 unemployed registered disabled people registered for employment at jobcentres and careers offices on 4 April 1986. It is not possible to convert that figure into an unemployment percentage rate because the number of registered disabled people in employment is not available.

Mr. Ashley

Does the Minister agree that a figure of over 26,000 is very disturbing and damaging to disabled people? Will he ensure that the current Manpower Services Commission study on our quota system takes full account of the successful West German quota and levy system, which has been warmly welcomed by the EEC Commissioners?

Mr. Lang

We look forward to receiving the MSC research proposals following the working group's inquiry into the operation of the quota scheme. My Department takes seriously its responsibilities for helping disabled people into employment. The right hon. Gentleman might like to know that disabled participants on the community programme represent 6 per cent. of that programme. We have special eligibility criteria to help them into the programme.

Mr. Watts

Does my hon. Friend share my disappointment at the fact that thus far only one contract has been placed under the MSC pilot employment initiative for disabled people? Will he undertake to have a close look at the proposal from the Chalvey trust in my constituency, on which matter I have written to his right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State?

Mr. Lang

I shall look forward to consulting my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State on that letter and the reply to it.

Mr. Pavitt

With regard to the figure of over 26,000 unemployed disabled people, will the Minister look at the anomaly between the physically disabled and the blind? Whereas disabled people can go back to sheltered workshops, once the blind leave, they go straight to the unemployment queue. Will the Minister ask the Select Committee on Legislation to consider amending the Act?

Mr. Lang

I shall take full note of that point. We have expanded the sheltered employment programme. The number of severely disabled people on the programme increased from 14,900 in 1983–84 to 16,300 last year.

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