§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Employment when the Health and Safety Executive received copies of the report of the committee on restrictions against disabled people; whether any action has been taken as a result; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GummerThe report of the committee on restrictions against disabled people was sent to the Health and Safety Commission for comments by the Minister for Social Security, who has responsibility for the disabled, early in 1982. In his reply, the chairman of the Commission expressed the view, with which my right hon. Friend concurred, that there was no firm evidence in the report to suggest that occupational health and safety legislation was leading to discrimination against disabled people. However, he confirmed his support for the Manpower Services Commission's policy of encouraging424W employment opportunities for the disabled, and emphasised the practical help and advice available to employers from the Health and Safety Executive's inspectorates and employment medical advisory service.