HC Deb 22 January 2002 vol 378 cc743-4
13. Geraint Davies (Croydon, Central)

What plans his Department has to support the provision of sustainable jobs for those with mental and physical disabilities in Croydon. [26372]

The Minister of State, Department of Health (Jacqui Smith)

Participation in employment is an important factor in promoting well-being and social inclusion. The Department of Health contributes to work in this area through a range of initiatives such as the welfare-to-work joint investment plans for disabled people, and the prominence given to employment issues in the national service framework for mental health and the learning disability White Paper, "Valuing People".

Geraint Davies

My hon. Friend will be aware of the very valuable work done by Crosfield Industries, which employs more than 100 people with disabilities, turns over more than £3 million of commercial revenue—

Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)

Calm down. [Laughter.]

Geraint Davies

Thank you very much. It turns over more than £3 million of commercial revenue from windows, assembly and electrical work. It is supported by Government and council subsidy. Will my hon. Friend give her backing to continued Government support for providing sustainable jobs for people with disabilities—jobs which support them by caring for their physical and emotional needs and giving them a stake in the economy and society?

Jacqui Smith

I thank my hon. Friend for that question. Unlike Opposition Members, who have reacted to it with such hilarity, I think that providing work opportunities and the support necessary for disabled people is a pretty important and serious issue. I certainly would commend the work that Crosfield and Crosslink do with disabled people. That is part of the Government's workstep programme, which helps and supports 22,000 people throughout the country, enabling them to get or keep a job, and I understand that at least 90 people in my hon. Friend's constituency are supported in that way. I hope that he continues his support for that important work in his constituency; the Government certainly will.