HC Deb 12 July 1977 vol 935 cc83-4W
27. Mr. Hatton

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many copies of "Positive Policies" have been distributed; and to whom.

Mr. John Grant

I am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that about 180,000 copies of "Positive Policies", the guide to employers on employing disabled people, have so far been distributed. Copies have gone to employers in the private and public sector with a quota obligation, Government Departments, statutory and voluntary organisations, individuals interested in the employment of disabled people, the Press, and members of the all-party group. The CBI distributed copies to affiliates. The TUC and Scottish TUC sent copies to trade unions and trades councils.

31. Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of registered disabled people who are at present unemployed; what percentage this represents of the total number registered; and if he will make a statement about steps taken to assist them.

Mr. John Grant

I am advised by the Manpower Services Commission that on 9th June, the latest date on which information is available, 74,381 or 14.0 per cent. of registered disabled people were unemployed in Great Britain.

I believe the Government have made worthwhile progress in the past 12 months to assist unemployed disabled people and draw attention to their special needs. In particular, since I last made a statement on this subject on 7th March in reply to a Question by the hon. Member for Gosport (Mr. Viggers) the Manpower Services Commission has published "Positive Policies", a guide to employers on employing disabled people, and has introduced a job introduction scheme for disabled people.