§ Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the large numbers of registered disabled persons unemployed, he will consider taking powers, under Article 10 (2b) of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, 1944, to introduce increased percentages for the compulsory employment of registered disabled persons in those industries which could be expected to absorb more than the standard 3 per cent.
§ Mr. IsaacsThis suggestion, which involves difficult questions of demarcation, has been considered on a number of occasions but it was not thought opportune to introduce it in the early stages of the scheme. I am seeking the considered advice of the National Advisory Council on the Employment of the Disabled.
Mr. Rossasked the Minister of Labour how many disabled men are registered as unemployed in the following places, Kilmarnock, Galston, Newmilns, Darvel; and how many of these men are ex-Servicemen.
§ Mr. IsaacsThe information requested is not available in respect of Galston and Darvel; but the numbers of registered disabled men unemployed on 19th January, 1948, at Kilmarnock and Newmilns which cover the Galston and Darvel areas are as follow:
§ Mr. IsaacsThe following are the numbers of registered disabled persons recorded as unemployed on 19th January last at the employment exchanges named:
267W
— Classified as capable of ordinary employment. Classified as severely disabled and needing sheltered employment. Total Ferndale 381 68 449 Porth 428 72 500 Tonypandy 732 95 827 Treorchy 393 33 426
Mr. Scott-Elliotasked the Minister of Labour the numbers of insured workers
Region. Registered Disabled Persons. Total registered on 19th January, 1948. Numbered unemployed on 19th January, 1948. Capable of ordinary employment. Severely disabled and needing sheltered employment. Total. Northern … … … 62,438 8,194 1,369 9,563 North Western … … … 131,451 11,277 1,309 12,586 Scotland … … … 75,556 8,195 1,207 9,402 Wales … … … 62,305 12,511 1,995 14,506