HC Deb 03 December 1987 vol 123 cc671-3W
Mr. Hannam

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many registered disabled people were unemployed(a) three years ago, (b) two years ago and (c) one year ago; and what is the most recent figure.

Mr. Lee

The number of registered disabled people who are unemployed claimants at unemployment benefit offices is not available. However, the table shows the number of unemployed registered disabled people in Great Britain registered for employment at jobcentres and careers offices at October of each year since 1985 and for September 1984. The figure for October 1984 is not available.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The information requested is given in the table.

Number
7 September 1984 35,189
4 October 1985 29,009
3 October 1986 25,539
2 October 1987 21,769

Mr. Hannam

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the average length of unemployment for disabled people; and what is the average length of unemployment for able-bodied people.

Mr. Lee

The information requested is not available.

Mr. Hannam

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of registered disabled people were unemployed in(a) June 1979, (b) June 1983 and (c) June 1987; and what is the most recent figure.

Mr. Lee

Information on the number of registered disabled people who are unemployed claimants at unemployment benefit offices is not available. However, the number of unemployed registered disabled people in Great Britain registered for employment at jobcentres and careers offices for the closest month to June of the requested years and the latest figure are as follows:

Numbers
12 July 1979 60,381
3 June 1983 69,544
3 July 1987 24,350
2 October 1987 21,769

The figures are not directly compatible due to the ending of compulsory registration at jobcentres in October 1982.

The numbers of disabled people in Great Britain registered under the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944, which are counted annually in April are:

Numbers
April 1979 482,006
April 1983 433,177
April 1987 383,439