§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action his Department is taking to introduce into the national health service anti-discrimination and equal opportunities legislation specifically for people with disabilities.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyHealth authorities, who are equal opportunities employers, accept the same responsibilities as other employers under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Acts. Through endorsement of the employment services code of good practice on the employment of disabled people, and encouragement of direct links between NHS personnel managers and the Department of Employment's employment service, the Department has made clear to health authorities the importance which we attach to equal opportunities in employment for people with disabilities. The introduction of new legislation would be a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.