§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he has yet received details of the case of "Len of Birmingham", raised by the hon. Member for Reading, South (Dr. Vaughan) in the debate on mobility for the disabled on 26th April; what action he has taken; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the Chairman of the Manpower Services Commission that following my undertaking given in the debate on mobility for the disabled on 26th April—[Vol. 930, c. 1103]—the Employment Service Agency has made inquiries of its Birmingham offices, but, on the basis of the information given by the hon. Member for Reading, South (Dr. Vaughan) it has been unable to trace either a registration for employment or an application for assistance under its fares to work scheme from "Len of Birmingham". I understand that the case was brought to the hon. Member for Reading South's notice by his hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Hannam) and I have accordingly written to ask him to let me have fuller particulars. I am both disturbed and surprised that it is taking so long for the hon. Members to supply me with the necessary information, since the case was represented by the hon. Member for Reading, South as one of great concern, and it seems a possibility that "Len" might qualify for assistance under the fares to work scheme.