§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people in 1977, 1978 and 1979 were registered as disabled and in employment in the United Kingdom; what percentage this is of the total number of persons employed in the United Kingdom in these years; and what comparative figures are available for other countries in the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonI will reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what progress he has made in his discussions with local authorities and area health authorities on improving their record in employing disabled people: if he will list the authorities with which he has had discussions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Morrison[pursuant to his reply, 5 February 1981, c. 182-3]: My noble Friend the Minister of State has asked his colleagues in the appropriate Government Departments to draw to the attention of public sector employers certain regulations of the 1980 Companies Act. These regulations require that companies with more than 250 employees should include in their annual report a statement of the policies they have applied during the financial year in question for the recruitment, retention as necessary, training and career development of disabled people.
Although the public sector is not bound by the regulations the Government are anxious that the policies of public sector employers should also be available to general comment. Accordingly my right hon. Friends will be discussing with, amongst others, local authority associations and health authorities how best to ensure that similar arrangements are made by the public sector.
66WAdditionally, I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that all employers, including local and health authorities, are regularly reminded of their responsibilities in connection with the employment of disabled people, and are being encouraged, through the MSC's 'Fit for Work' campaign to adopt policies which should help to improve employment opportunities for them. It is gratifying that, in 1980, four local authorities won the MSC's 'Fit For Work' award for employers who have done most to implement constructive policies in this respect.