§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for Trade what action he is taking to increase the number of registered disabled persons employed in the Export Credits Guarantee Department and the Department of Trade; and when he expects to achieve the 3 per cent. target in each case.
§ Mr. MeacherIt is the normal practice of my Department and the Export Credits Guarantee Department when recruiting staff directly to stress that registered disabled persons may apply. Additionally it is our practice to keep in touch with appropriate Department of Employment jobcentres, which are well aware of the needs of the registered disabled, when we are recruiting. Achievement of the 3 per cent. target is conditioned by recruitment needs and the number and capabilities of registered disabled persons applying for employment. In accordance with the Civil Service Department's code of practice preference would be given to a disabled person over a non-disabled person if otherwise the respective merits of candidates are fairly evenly balanced. It is, therefore, not possible to estimate when the target may be reached.