§ 2.49 p.m.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they can state the situation as regards unemployment of disabled persons, and what steps they are taking to keep the obligations of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Acts in the minds of employers.]
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (THE EARL OF DUNDEE)My Lords, on November 16 there were 58,489 registered disabled persons unemployed, compared with 59,727 in November, 1958. The disablement resettlement officers of the Ministry of Labour will continue to do their best to place them in suitable work and to ensure that the disabled share in increased employment opportunities resulting from the general economic improvement.
As regards the second part of the Question, the Ministry of Labour make inquiries each year from all employers with 20 or more workers to see whether they are carrying out their obligation under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Acts to employ at least 3 per cent. of registered disabled persons. These inquiries are followed up wherever necessary. In addition, the Ministry constantly keep before employers the need to employ suitable disabled people, both through their normal contacts with the employment exchanges and by means of suitable publicity.
§ LORD FRASER OF LONSDALEMy Lords, while rejoicing that employers generally have done their best to give 173 these men employment with a good heart, and that the men themselves do their jobs with efficiency, I would ask: is it not possible that some new employers in a small way still do not know of the obligations; and could some further publicity be given which would ensure that they do appreciate their obligations? Furthermore, in relation to the study now being made of unemployment in special areas, will Her Majesty's Government give consideration to any special degree of unemployment among disabled persons?
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEMy Lords, in reply to the first part of the noble Lord's supplementary question, I believe that my right honourable friend the Minister of Labour wrote to the noble Lord a few weeks ago informing him that a new circular was now with the printers calling the attention of employers who might not realise their obligations under the Act to their responsibilities. I believe that he also mentioned that a television film was being prepared by the Ministry in this connection to be displayed at intervals by arrangement with the B.B.C.
In regard to the second part of the question about areas where unemployment is higher than in others, I believe that the Ministry, in their activities in dealing with employers, always bear in mind the position of disabled workers. One difficulty about making sure that employers are fulfilling their obligations is, of course, that disabled persons capable of filling vacancies may not always be residing in the district, and occasionally jobs that are available may not be suitable for the disabled persons who are seeking work.