§ 18. Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many of the staff in his Department are disabled; and what proportion this represents of the work force.
§ Mr. SproatThe latest available figures show that 13 staff employed by my Department, excluding our two agencies, identify themselves as disabled. That represents 3.6 per cent. of all staff.
§ Mr. PickthallIf 3.6 per cent. is the correct figure across the Ministry, at least the hon. Gentleman's Ministry is doing a proper job on the quota. Why, 675 therefore, are the Government to abolish the quota in advance of the provisions of the new Disability Discrimination Bill being bedded down?
§ Mr. SproatI am happy to accept the congratulations of the hon. Gentleman on what the Department of National Heritage has achieved. The second part of his question should be discussed as the Bill progresses through the House.