HC Deb 04 May 1978 vol 949 cc279-80W
Mr. Fitt

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is satisfied that all Government Departments in Northern Ireland are employing the required quota of disabled persons.

Mr. Dunn

I am satisfied that Government Departments in Northern Ireland make every effort to employ disabled people where possible, although they are not required to meet a specific quota. On 1st January 1978 the number of registered disabled employed by these Departments, as a proportion of the total work force, was 2.14 per cent.; however, because registration is voluntary and many disabled employees in both the public and private sectors choose not to register, the actual proportion of disabled employees may be substantially higher.

Mr. Fitt

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many disabled persons carrying a blue card are employed by the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Carter

One hundred and seventy.

Mr. Fitt

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he is satisfied that all local authorities in Northern Ireland are employing the required quota of disabled persons.

Mr. Concannon

I am not satisfied since, of the 26 district councils, 14 currently employ the required quota of registered disabled persons. The Department of Manpower Services is now pursuing the issue with those local authorities which are failing to meet their quota obligations.