§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will undertake a publicity campaign to encourage disabled people to apply for help under the fares-to-work scheme, particularly concentrated in areas like Medway and Gravesend where no applications have yet been received.
§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission (MSC) which administers the fares-to-work scheme, that an extensive publicity campaign to encourage disabled people to apply for help under the scheme was undertaken when the scheme was revised in July 1978.
Following this campaign, take-up under the scheme increased, in line with estimates, by almost three times (2.7).
My hon. Friend may wish to know that, apart from a general press release, which had a very wide coverage several items concerning the scheme were broadcast on both national and local radio. Leaflets and other publicity were also widely distributed.
520WThe scheme is also publicised in the general leaflets describing the disablement service which are available at all local jobcentres and employment offices. Disablement resettlement officers also bring the scheme to the notice of all those disabled people likely to benefit when employment is being discussed.