§ Mr. Fittasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many capital grants have been awarded to employers of disabled people to date; if he is satisfied with take-up of the scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ConcannonThe capital grants scheme was introduced on 1st July 1977 to provide payment of grants to employers who make essential adaptations to their premises or equipment in order to engage or retain specific disabled people. The scheme has been actively promoted by the Disablement Resettlement Service, but there have been only two approaches about taking up grants, and none has yet been paid. I am not satisfied with this level of take-up and am examining further means of encouraging employers to use this scheme.