§ Mr. Silvesterasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many ramps, hoists, lifts, special lighting, lavatory facilities and other such amenities for disabled people have been constructed in Government premises since the grants announced on 1st June 1977 became available.
§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that no payments have been made to Government Departments for adaptations to premises under the Manpower Services Commission's scheme of capital grants to employers of disabled people. The Property Services Agency of the Department of the Environment, which carries out adaptations to Government premises, has agreed not to claim grants under this scheme for modifications which it carries out to meet the needs of disabled people.
§ Mr. Silvesterasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many disabled people have been employed by Government offices since the job introduction programme was announced on 4th July 1977.
§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that use of job introduction scheme is not applicable in the case of a disabled person commencing employment in a government department.
However, I understand from the Civil Service Department that Government Departments are making every effort to employ disabled people where possible. Under the job introduction scheme, 369 people had been placed with employers by the end of March.