§ 27. Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he is satisfied with industry's response to legislation in respect of the employment of the disabled.
§ Mr. Jim LesterAt the last count 82 per cent. of those employers who were subject to the legislation were complying with its requirements, but I am not satisfied that this figure is a true reflection of employers' response to the employment 113W of disabled people. I share the unease of many in this House about the ineffectiveness of the present quota, established under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944. I therefore look forward to receiving the Manpower Services Commission's recommendations about the best way of helping disabled people to get and keep suitable jobs, when its review of the present scheme is completed towards the end of the year.
Because of my concern about the employment of disabled people I have fully supported the MSC's " Fit for Work " campaign which encourages employers to adopt new positive approaches to all aspects of employing disabled people.