§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to review provisions to assist people with disabilities in training or employment, and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonFollowing a review of the Department's services and schemes for people with disabilities, we invited comments last year from a wide range of interested parties on a number of proposals to make our provision more effective. Since these consultations, we have announced a number of changes to existing measures or action which we are taking to consider issues further. We will make further announcements as appropriate. We will continue to keep our employment and training provision for people with disabilities under review.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to review the registration rules for people with disabilities who are seeking employment or vocational training; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonSince its introduction, the main purpose of the disabled persons register, established under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944, has been connected with the operation of the scheme under which employers with 20 or more employees are required to employ a "quota" of registered disabled people.
My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Employment announced on 17 September that he has decided to make no changes to the quota system and to keep the position under review. We will, therefore, continue to look at the operation of the scheme and reassess its effectiveness in due course.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment which organisations he normally consults on matters relating to employment and/or training of people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonMinisters and officials from this Department and Training and Enterprise Council 261W personnel are frequently in contact with a wide variety of organisations involved with people with disabilities to discuss matters affecting our employment and training services and schemes. Particular organisations are consulted on specific issues as appropriate.
The National Advisory Council on Employment of People with Disabilities provides Ministers with advice at national level and committees for the employment of people with disabilities fulfil a similar function locally.
Last year we issued two consultative documents on issues connected with the employment and training of people with disabilities, which together attracted comments from several hundred organisations and individuals.