§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of staff in his Department are registered disabled; and if his Department is exempt, or has applied for exemption, from the 3 per cent. provision of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944.
§ Mr. RidleyMy Department employs 1.1 per cent. registered disabled non-industrial staff (as at February 1987). Figures are not readily available for industrial staff.
The Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944 is not binding on the Crown. Successive Governments have, however, undertaken to accept the same responsibilities as other employers, consistent with the principle of fair and open competition.