§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many cases of alleged discrimination against disabled people have been received by his Department since 18 November 1983; what was the nature of the investigations undertaken into these cases; what was the outcome of these investigations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonSince 18 November 1983, eight cases have been referred with sufficient evidence for us to investigate. In one case we are still awaiting confirmation that the individual concerned wished inquiries to be made on her behalf. In the remaining seven cases officials have made inquiries and sought the comments of the other parties involved. Three cases are still under consideration. Of the four concluded cases:
- — one involved a genuine problem of access;
- — one concerned an employer's judgment that the complainant's disability rendered her unsuitable for the appointment in question on safety grounds;
- — one concerned the general rules of membership of a trade federation which are applicable to all candidates;
- — one concerned a management judgment that an employee's overall performance, even after taking account of the limitation imposed by disability, was inadequate for promotion purposes.
In my judgment none of these cases revealed evidence of unjustified discrimination.