HC Deb 10 July 1975 vol 895 cc247-8W
Mr. Alexander Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people in the Hamilton and Larkhall area have completed retraining courses at Government training centres during the last two years; and how many of these are now in permanent employment.

Mr. Harold Walker

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it is estimated that during the period of 1st July 1973 to 30th June 1975 approximately 100 people from the Hamilton and Larkhall area were trained at skillcentres—formerly Government training centres. It is not possible without disproportionate cost to give the placing position of these ex-trainees, but in Scotland 80 per cent. of all trainees are placed either before finishing training or within six months.

Mr. Alexander Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many people in the Hamilton and Larkhall areas have been refused places in Government training centres; and how many of them are disabled persons in percentage terms.

Mr. Harold Walker

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that during the period 1st July 1973 to 30th June 1975, 21 people from the Hamilton and Larkhall area were not accepted for training at skillcentres—formerly Government training centres. None of these was disabled.

Mr. Alexander Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what extra and normal steps he is taking to provide employment for disabled persons in the Hamilton and Larkhall area; and how many disabled persons he estimates require such employment.

Mr. Harold Walker

Although special steps are taken to help all disabled people find employment my Department supports the provision of employment only for those severely disabled people who need to work under sheltered conditions. The provision of sheltered employment in this area has been expanded over the last year with the opening of Remploy's new Rutherglen factory and the extension of the sheltered workshop at Wishaw. I doubt if further expansion is required; but the position will be kept under review. Nine unemployed severely disabled people in Hamilton and Larkhall are currently registered for sheltered employment.