§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what special study he has made of the problems of deaf/blind adults in finding suitable employment.
§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it has made no special study of the problems of deaf/blind adults in finding suitable employment.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will now initiate a special scheme to investigate the problems of job suitability and availability for deaf/blind adults.
§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that it has no plans to do so, in view of the very small number of deaf/blind adults who are capable of, and actively seeking work. However, the employment problems of deaf/blind adults are dealt with on an individual basis by specially trained blind persons resettlement officers or, where appropriate, by placement officers of the Royal National Institute for the Blind in liaison, where appropriate, with the Royal National Institute for the Deaf.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will provide a scheme for the training and apprenticeships of those deaf/blind adults who can benefit from them.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the Training Services Agency has no plans to provide a special scheme for the training and apprenticeships of deaf/blind adults, but those who are capable of working under ordinary conditions, and who can communicate, can be considered for individual training courses open to disabled people under TSA arrangements.