§ Mr. Edward Daviesasked the Minister of Labour how many disabled persons are registered for employment in North Staffordshire; what percentage are unemployed; and whether he is prepared to take any special action to improve the position in view of the age and gravity of the problem.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe number of persons registered as disabled under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, in North Staffordshire at 16th September, 1946, was 9,441. Of this number 2,165 or 22.9 per cent. were unemployed. As registration is voluntary and many disabled persons in employment have not yet registered these figures do not give an accurate indication of the percentage of unemployment amongst those who are in fact disabled. The Disabled Persons Employment Corporation has established a workshop for the severely disabled at Longton, and others will follow as soon as practicable at Burslem, Hanley and Stoke-on-Trent. In addition, steps are being taken in conjunction with the Board of Trade and other Departments, to improve the employment position generally in the area.