§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what is her estimate of the number of those people eligible who have not in fact registered as disabled persons; and what inquiries she is making into the reasons why so many people do not register.
§ Mr. FernyhoughI am not in a position to estimate the number of people eligible who have registered as disabled. Registration under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act is voluntary and my officers have found that some disabled people prefer not to disclose their disability: while they can obtain and keep suitable employment, they see no advantage in registering.