§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of Slate for Employment (1) how many disabled people were employed in sheltered workshops at the latest date for which figures are available; and how many disabled people are now waiting for work in sheltered industry;
(2) how many disabled people were employed in sheltered workshops in the North-West Region at the latest date for which figures are available; and how many disabled people in the region are now waiting for work in sheltered industry.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithSome 13,400 severely disabled people including 1,800 in North-West Region, are employed in sheltered workshops. Another 12,049 including 1,371 in North-West Region are currently unemployed and registered for such work; but many of these will be placed in open employment, which is always the first aim. Moreover, experience shows that of the number registered for sheltered employment in any area, only about one-third will in practice be suitable and available for such work.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the outcome of his Department's discussions with local authorities on the provision of new purpose-built factories for the employment of disabled people.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithSuch discussions are continuous. They currently envisage the provision of 30 new purpose-built factories, or extensions, during the next five years which should provide some 1,000 to 1,200 additional places for severely disabled people.