§ Mr. John Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment what effects on the financial and staff situation of Remploy Ltd. will arise from the Manpower Services Commission's corporate plan; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe Manpower Services Commission carries out functions in relation to Remploy as the agent of the Secretary of State, and financial provision for this work is made separately on the vote of the Department, and not through the grant-in-aid to the MSC. While provision for expenditure on Remploy is included for information in the MSC's corporate plan, decisions on the plan will not apply to Remploy's financial or staffing situation. Reductions in the level of financial support to the company are not under consideration and the company is planning to provide for the employment of an increased number of severely disabled people in the coming years, although it is, of course, subject to the general trading situation.
§ Mr. John Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish in the Official Report the increases in percentage terms in the numbers of unemployed disabled people, registered and unregistered, between 10 May 1979 and the latest available date, the decrease in percentage terms in placings of disabled people, registered and unregistered, comparing the period from 31 March to May 1979 and the latest available monthly return.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that the increases in percentage terms in the numbers of unemployed disabled people,36W registered and unregistered between 10 May 1979 and 11 December 1980, the latest date, in respect of which figures are available, are as set out below:
Registered disabled people 11.1% Unregistered disabled people 34.4% Total disabled people 23.6% The statistics of recorded placings of disabled people do not distinguish between registered and unregistered disabled people. The percentage decrease in total placings of disabled people, comparing the period from 31 March 1979 to 4 May 1979 with the period 10 November 1980 to 5 December 1980, the latest available monthly return, is 49.7 per cent. adjusted to allow for the difference in length of the two periods compared.
Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the assistance available to disabled people who travel to work.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonMobility of disabled generally is a matter for my hon. Friend the Minister for Social Security. However, the Manpower Services Commission (MSC) help certain severely disabled people to get to and from work through its fares to work scheme. The scheme provides financial assistance to registered disabled people who are unable to use public transport and who incur extra costs in travelling to and from work because of their disability. I am satisfied that the scheme which was substantially revised in 1978 is operating effectively. The hon. Member should know that the Government have asked the MSC to keep its operation under review.