HC Deb 21 October 1982 vol 29 cc177-8W
Mr. Hannam

asked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will take steps to consult disablement organisations and other relevant bodies on ways of encouraging disabled people to register, in order to make it easier to enforce the quota;

(2) if he plans to introduce a code of practice on the employment of disabled people as proposed by the Manpower Services Commission;

(3) subsequent to the Government's decision to retain the statutory quota for the employment of disabled people, what plans he has to ensure it is enforced; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alison:

As my right Friend indicated in his reply of 29 July to my hon. Friend, we have asked the Manpower Services Commission to press ahead with the drafting of a code of practice on the employment of disabled people, to be tried out on a voluntary basis; and to consider further the ways suggested by the Select Committee and others for improving the effectiveness of the quota scheme within the framework of existing legislation. These could, of course, include ways of encouraging more disabled people to register. In considering these issues the commission will be consulting the national advisory council on the employment of disabled people, disablement organisations and other interested bodies.