§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he has taken to examine career prospects for disabled students entering a course of higher education; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithMy Department's services to disabled people are continually under review. Disabled students may obtain advice on careers prospects from careers officers of the youth employment service and from disablement resettlement officers, and they should benefit from the general improvement in the employment 269W situation. I understand that those concerned with the guidance and placing of university students are also reviewing their services to this group.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Employment what directives he has issued through the Central Youth Employment Executive for the training of careers officers to give guidance to disabled clients; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithThere have been no directives issued through the Central Youth Employment Executive for the training of careers officers specialising in work with the handicapped. Our policy is to advise that such specialists should be appointed to the youth employment service when the numbers of handicapped young people in any one area justifies this. Special training is provided for these officers. All careers officers are advised to consult my Department's employment medical advisers and disablement resettlement officers if they require advice on cases involving handicapped young people.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Employment what provision he has made for the training of occupational guidance officers in giving advice to disabled clients; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Dudley SmithThe occupational guidance officer attends an eight-week basic course before he takes up post and an advanced course of two weeks about four months later. He interviews disabled people during his training and gains an insight into the problems of disabled people.