§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Prime Minister if, before considering changing the quota scheme for the employment of disabled people, the Government will conduct a special campaign to persuade Government Departments, local authorities, public corporations and nationalised industries to double their percentage of disabled employees; to what extent such action would help them to reach the 3 per cent. quota level; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government consistently seek to ensure that all employers, including those in the public sector, are fully aware of their responsibilities as regard the employment of disabled people. There are no plans, however, for the sort of campaign proposed by the hon. Member. As only 1.9 per cent. of the working population are registered as disabled the chances of all public sector employers being able to meet a 3 per cent. quota are remote.
I can assure the hon. Member that we will continue to leave employers in the public and private sector in no doubt of the need to promote the employment of all disabled people and to improve the quality of employment opportunities available to them.