§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many workers are employed by workshops for the blind in England and Wales at the latest date;
(2) what funding is made towards the upkeep of workshops for the blind in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he will list the workshops for the blind in England and Wales; and if he will indicate how they are funded.
§ Mr. Eggar[holding answer 6 June 1990]: The employment service, which is responsible for the sheltered employment programme, became an executive agency on 2 April 1990. Mr. Mike Fogden, the employment service agency's chief executive, will be replying in writing to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to provide direct funding support for workshops for the blind.
§ Mr. Eggar[holding answer 6 June 1990]: There are no plans at this time to change the existing arrangements for the funding of sheltered workshops.
§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received on the threatened closure of the Birkenhead, Liverpool, workshops for the blind; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Eggar[holding answer 6 June 1990]: My Department has received representations from the National League of the Blind and Disabled about the decision by the management of the Liverpool Workshops and Birkenhead Society for the Blind to close their workshop from 1 October 1990. I understand that this decision was taken following the withdrawal of support for the workshop by one of the four sponsoring local authorities. Officials of the employment service are working closely with the sponsoring local authorities and with organisations involved in supporting sheltered employment in seeking to find suitable alternative employment for the workpeople affected.