HC Deb 09 December 1971 vol 827 cc353-4W
64. Mr. McElhone

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of blind persons unemployed at the latest available date in Scotland, and in England and Wales, respectively; and what percentage this is of the total of blind people employed at the present time.

Mr. Dudley Smith

At the latest available date the number of blind persons unemployed in Scotland was 105, and in England and Wales 809. This is 9 per cent. of the blind people in employment.

Mr. McElhone

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of blind people registered for employment at the latest available date.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Blind people who are registered for employment include 914 who are unemployed and a small number, for whom separate figures are not readily available, of those who are sick but will be ready for work in the near future, and those who though working wish to change their employment.

Mr. McElhone

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of persons classified by his Department as suitable for work in blind workshops.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Of the 10,204 blind people who are at work, 3,380 are employed under special conditions; 2,653 in workshops for the blind and 727 in homeworker schemes. Of the 914 unemployed blind people, 481 are classified as being in need of employment under special conditions.

Mr. McElhone

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of blind persons classified by his Department as suitable for work in open industry.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Of the 10,204 blind people who are at work, 6,824 are employed in open industry. Classification of suitability for open or sheltered employment is made only when a blind person registers as unemployed. Of the 914 unemployed, 433 are considered to have the skills and ability for open employment.