§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list all the health authorities who employ less than 2 per cent. registered disabled people; how many registered disabled people have been engaged by each of those authorities in the last 12 months; what action he is taking to increase employment of disabled people by health authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisThe figures for 1978 arc not yet available and it would not be possible to say, without disproportionate effort, how many registered disabled people have been engaged by health authorities in the last 12 months. On 1st June 1977 no regional or area health authority employed more than 2 per cent. of registered disabled people. As my hon. Friend is aware, I have on a number of occasions expressed my concern at the average rate of employment of disabled people in the National Health Service. I have written to the chairmen of all health authorities asking for their help in increasing that rate. Moreover, we are at present carrying out a pilot study in one area health authority and I hope that this will identify ways in which the National Health Services' record might be improved.