§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the provision of sheltered workshops in North-West Kent, in view of the statement in the Department's consultative document that such workshops either existed in all areas with a population of 100,000 to 120,000 or that plans had been initiated for such workshops.
§ Mr. BoothAs I told my hon. Friend on 21st March—[Vol. 870, c. 1581—Kent County Council plans to build a sheltered workshop with 50 or 60 places in the Medway area. This plan is based on a thorough survey of the local need for sheltered provision carried out jointly by the council and officers of my Department. I believe that a workshop of this size will meet the need in North-West328W Kent; but if it does not the provision of further facilities will of course be considered.