§ Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what proportion of employees of the Midlands Electricity Board are registered disabled persons;
(2) what proportion of employees of the West Midlands Gas Board are registered disabled persons;
(3) what proportion of employees of the British Steel Corporation are registered disabled persons;
208W(4) what proportion of employees of the National Coal Board are registered disabled persons;
(5) what proportion of employees of the Post Office are registered disabled persons;
(6) what proportion of employees of British Railways are registered disabled persons.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithIt has always been the practice to regard this information as confidential.
I am sure the hon. Member can appreciate that opportunities for employing disabled people vary greatly from industry to industry and from firm to firm, according to the nature of the work. Moreover, it frequently happens that there are no registered disabled persons available locally who are suitable for the jobs on offer. This means that even firms with an excellent record of co-operation may from time to time find themselves below quota through circumstances outside their control.
Therefore, it would be misleading and unfair to make public these confidential employment figures and, because the success of the scheme depends largely on the good will of employers, against the interests of the disabled.
I can assure the hon. Member that the position at the undertakings he mentions has been and will be kept under review.