HC Deb 08 February 1972 vol 830 cc339-40W
Dr. Summerskill

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to find suitable work for the 10 per cent. of blind people who are registered as being available for employment but are unemployed.

Mr. Dudley Smith

My Department is recruiting additional blind persons training officers, technical staff who assist the blind persons resettlement officers to identify suitable openings and give train- ing on the job with the help of necessary special aids.

My right hon. Friend has also commissioned the Production Engineering Research Association to undertake a research project designed to widen employment opportunities. This project is now at an advanced stage, and I understand that preliminary evaluation of a new range of equipment is encouraging.