HC Deb 24 May 1985 vol 79 cc601-2W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will sponsor a research programme into the effectiveness or otherwise of the job quota scheme for disabled people, with particular attention to the attitude of disabled people towards registering as disabled workers and the level of relevant skills for employment to be found amongst unemployed disabled people.

Mr. Alan Clark

Research into various matters affecting the quota scheme is one of the recommendations

Employees in employment—Great Britain
(thousands)
Males Females
Full-time Part-time Full-time Part-time
June 1971 12,840 584 5,468 2,757
June 1972 12,719 600 5,454 2,877
June 1973 12,813 665 5,542 3,163
June 1974 12,675 689 5,512 3,421
June 1975 12,542 697 5,422 3,551
June 1976 12,398 699 5,366 3,585
June 1977 12,395 681 5,433 3,617
June 1978 12,392 704 5,478 3,688
June 1979 * 13,183 5,585 3,870
June 1980 * 13,018 5,499 3,941
June 1981 * 12,278 5,290 3,817
September 1981 11,511 718 5,304 3,781
June 1982 * 11,945 5,121 3,861
June 1983 * 11,689 4,951 3,945
June 1984 * 11,593 4,940 4,157
December 1984 * 11,593 4,957 4,282
*Only figures for all males are available for these dates.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many (a) men and (b) women are classified as part-time workers at the latest available date.

Mr. Alan Clark

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

in the report of a Manpower Services Commission working group which my right hon. Friend and I are currently considering.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what discussions he has had with the Manpower Services Commission on the working party on the jobs quota for disabled people who recently made recommendations concerning the quota scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Clark

My right hon. Friend has recently received advice from the Manpower Services Commission on the report of a working group set up to consider certain suggestions for improving the effectiveness of the quota scheme within the framework of existing legislation. We are now considering that advice and hope to announce our decision during the summer. Copies of the working group's report have been placed in the Library.