Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what advisory services are available for the young mentally handicapped seeking employment in Scotland, and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FernyhoughAll careers officers of the Youth Employment Service in Scotland help mentally and physically handicapped young persons under the age of 18 and those over that age who are still at school, as well as the able-bodied. In addition, there are certain special facilities for the mentally and physically handicapped. Local authorities are being encouraged to appoint specialist careers officers for the handicapped, and so far one has been appointed in Scotland, in Edinburgh. Careers officers can also arrange for special assessment of handicapped young persons' working capacity, including any necessary psychology tests at the three industrial rehabilitation units in Scotland run by my Department. There are also part education/part assessment courses at two Scottish I.R.U.s designed to prepare handicapped young persons still at school for employment.