HC Deb 16 April 1962 vol 658 cc12-3W
72. Mr. Loughlin

asked the Minister of Labour what were the figures of Section 1 disabled unemployed, and Section 2 disabled unemployed, respectively, at the most recent convenient date; and how these figures compare with those of 1959.

Mr. Green

48,320 and 4,864 respectively, on 19th March, 1962, compared with 56,719 and 4,170 respectively, on 16th March, 1959.

73. Mr. Loughlin

asked the Minister of Labour how many Section 2 disabled have been unemployed for more than six months; and what plans he has to provide employment for them, either by providing more Remploy factories or by other means.

Mr. Green

There were 3,222 severely disabled persons registered as unemployed for more than six months when the last analysis was made in December, 1961. We have provided for an increasing grant to Remploy during its current five-year plan to enable it to employ more severely disabled people. We have also recently increased the maximum grant payable in respect of sheltered workshops provided by local authorities or voluntary organisations.

74. Mr. Parkin

asked the Minister of Labour if he will make a statement setting out the policies he has pursued to deal with the situation revealed by his last Departmental survey of Section 1 and Section 2 disabled unemployment; and to what extent they have been successful.

Mr. Green

It is not possible within the limits of an Answer to describe the various rehabilitation, training, and employment services provided by this Department to help disabled people to find satisfactory work, but if there are any special aspects in which the hon. Member is interested, I should be glad to supply detailed information.

75. Mr. Parkin

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent the relevant figures indicate that there is now need for a fresh survey of employment opportunities for the disabled; and what proposals he has for further means of providing such employment.

Mr. Green

The Department's Disablement Resettlement Officers are constantly endeavouring to find suitable employment for disabled people who are unemployed, and in general there is no lack of employment opportunities. In areas in which there is considerable local unemployment, the Government's measures to stimulate the growth of industry is designed to provide opportunities of work for the disabled as for others.

The Department will continue to give financial assistance to Remploy, to local authorities, and to voluntary organisations providing sheltered workships, in order to help provide more sheltered employment for severely disabled persons in areas where this is needed.