§ Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps the Manpower Services Commission is taking to review the present sponsorship and supervision requirements for the sheltered industrial groups scheme.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe Manpower Services Commission is concerned by the relatively slow build-up 411W in the number of sheltered industrial groups that it believes have great potential as a method of providing work for severely disabled people. It is therefore reviewing the administrative arrangements for such groups, including questions of sponsorship and supervision. In the course of the review, opinions have been sought from the national advisory council for the employment of disabled people and from the sheltered employment consultative group, which include representatives of organisations currently sponsoring and operating groups. The commission is also inviting views of other interested parties.