§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will give for the latest most convenient stated date the number of male and female registered blind workers employed in his Department; and whether he will take whatever action may be open to him to increase this number as and when convenient and suitable vacancies become available.
§ Mr. David HowellThere are no registered blind workers employed in the Northern Ireland Office.
The answer to the second part of the Question is "Yes". The Civil Service Department, in consultation with Establishment Officers of all major Departments, is actively considering what further 421W action can be taken to increase the numbers of registered disabled persons—including blind persons—employed in the Civil Service.