HC Deb 21 June 1955 vol 542 cc55-6W
74. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Labour what action he will take to provide more work for disabled persons in the borough and rural district of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Mr. Watkinson

My local officers take all possible steps to assist disabled persons to secure employment, and I am glad to say that the present number of unemployed disabled persons in Newcastle-under-Lyme is 20 per cent. lower than it was a year ago.

77. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Labour the number of disabled persons at Cardiff who are registered as unemployed, and the number of these who have been unemployed for over three months.

Mr. Watkinson

On 13th June, 1955, there were 300 registered disabled men and 58 registered disabled women, capable of ordinary employment, unemployed in Cardiff. Of these, 187 men and 20 women had been unemployed over three months.

78. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Labour the number of disabled persons at Cardiff who received a rehabilitation course during the past 12 months from his Department but who have subsequently failed to obtain satisfactory employment.

Mr. Watkinson

In the 12 months ended 31st March, 1955, 177 disabled persons from the Cardiff and Bute Docks area completed industrial rehabilitation courses at the Cardiff Industrial Rehabilitation Unit. Of this number 144 have since been placed in employment or have started a course of vocational training. I cannot yet say how many of these have failed to settle down in jobs, but on average about 80 per cent. are still satisfied when inquiries are made six months after they left.