§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions he proposes to have with the officers of the Royal National Institute of the Deaf about the employment of people who are totally or severely deaf; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Morrison[pursuant to his reply, 24 March 1981, c. 224]: I have no plans for discussions with the Royal National Institute of the Deaf about the employment of people who are totally or severely deaf, but I am always willing to receive any proposals it may have.
The Government attach great importance to the employment of disabled people, including those who are deaf, and it remains our policy to support the Manpower Services Commission in providing services from which all disabled people may benefit equally. We shall also, in this the International Year of Disabled People, support the commission's "Fit for Work" campaign, which aims to persuade employers to implement constructive policies on the employment of disabled people, including those who are totally or severely deaf.