§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister for the Civil Service what plans his Department has made for the International Year of Disabled People 1981; what funds have been allocated for this purpose; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeAll departments in the Civil Service—which is the largest employer of registered disabled people in the United Kingdom—have been asked to mark the year by continuing, and where possible improving, their efforts to promote the employment and advancement of disabled people. Progress will be reviewed through a series of meetings with the Departmental disabled persons officers.
Copies of Quota, my Department newsletter, which draws particular attention to the International Year of Disabled People, have been placed in the Library. This
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Committee Countries Visited Dates of Visit Cost to date £ Agriculture Netherlands and France 14–18.4.80 5,363 Belgium 11–12.6.80 1,347 Defence West Germany 6–8.2.80 2,694 (British Forces) USA 24.2–4.3.80 2,699 Education, Science, Arts Belgium and Luxembourg 4–6.5.80 1,411 USA 7–.6.80 6,934 Employment Canada 10–18.6.80 11,088 Energy USA and Canada 9–17.6.80 14,494 France and Germany 4–18.7.80 4,005 Environment NIL Belgium and Luxembourg 13–15.7.80 2,385 Foreign Affairs Gulf States, Thailand and Jordan 28.4–10.5.80 21,321 Overseas Dev. Sub. Comm. Kenya and Malawi 2–10.5.80 Overseas Dev. Sub. Comm. France 2.3.7.80 999 Home Affairs NIL Industry and Trade Belgium 21–22.5.80 1,171 Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong 17,10–1.11.80 24,358 Public Accounts NIL Scottish Affairs Irish Republic 16–18.6.80 1,915 Social Service NIL contains many accounts of individual civil servants being encouraged and assisted to cope with their difficulties. Within the Civil Service Department, efforts to employ disabled people and to enable them to overcome problems in the working environment will continue. No specific funds have been allocated as the resources required depend on individual circumstances.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Minister for the Civil Service if he will conduct during the International Year of Disabled People 1981 a thorough review of all his Department's policies that affect disabled people; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe policy within the Civil Service is to employ disabled people wherever possible and to encourage and assist them to overcome the problems posed by their disabilities This policy is kept under continuous review through regular meetings of Departmental disabled persons officers, who have the responsibility within their own departments for the employment and career development of the disabled.