§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how much money has been spent within the city of Sheffield on the provision of equipment and resources to disabled people under the aids to employment budget; when the 1989–90 budget was exhausted; how many people have had applications for assistance refused in the past 12 months; and how many are currently awaiting provision of further resources.
§ Mr. EggarFigures are not available for the city of Sheffield alone. The amount spent under the special aids to employment scheme for the Sheffield area (which includes the city, and Rotherham) from 1 April 1989 to date is £46,082.22. The 1989–90 budget is not exhausted and so there are no cases awaiting the provision of further resources. Three people from the Sheffield area had applications under the scheme refused in the past 12 months. Two are ineligible for assistance; in the third case, a solution was not technically possible.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make additional resources available under the aids to employment scheme to facilitate the independence of Mr. John Gallagher of Sheffield.
§ Mr. EggarIt is understood that Mr. Gallagher has applied to his local authority for assistance under the blind homeworkers scheme, under which the authority could contribute 25 per cent., and the employment service up to 75 per cent. of the assistance. No application has, however, yet been received by the employment service. If it is, consideration can be given to assisting Mr. Gallagher either under the provisions of the blind homeworkers scheme, or the special aids to employment scheme. Additional resources under the latter are not necessary, as the budget for the scheme is not exhausted.