HC Deb 30 July 1971 vol 822 cc180-1W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will consider the establishment of a sheltered workshop for the mentally handicapped with special training facilities and equipment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Sheltered work is generally best provided in workshops catering for all kinds of severely disabled people. At present there are over 800 mentally handicapped employees in workshops financially assisted by my Department, including some 600 in Remploy factories. Although our usual policy is to avoid segregation, we assist some organisations which provide remunerative work for special classes of the disabled, including the mentally handicapped, and I am ready to consider any specific project that is put to me.