HC Deb 26 July 1990 vol 177 cc444-5W
Mr. Hannam

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has as to how many public sector organisations in Germany meet a(a) 6 per cent. quota, (b) 5 per cent. quota, (c) 4 per cent. quota and (d) 3 per cent. quota, for the employment of disabled people.

Mr. Jackson

I regret that information about the public sector organisations in Germany that meet their quota obligations is not available in the form requested.

Mr. Hannam

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information he has as to how many organisations and companies in France meet a(a) 6 per cent. quota, (b) 5 per cent. quota, (c) 4 per cent. quota and (d) 3 per cent. quota, for the employment of disabled people.

Mr. Jackson

The current quota system in France has only recently been introduced and compliance figures are not yet available.

Mr. Hannam

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether his Department has carried out any studies into the operation and effectiveness of the German quota/levy system for disabled people.

Mr. Jackson

No formal studies of the German system have been carried out by this Department. However, my officials are in regular contact with their European counterparts about all aspects of provision for people with disabilities, including the operation of quota/levy systems.

Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what consultations he plans to hold with disability organisations on his Department's proposals for employment services for disabled people.

Mr. Jackson

All disability organisations known to the Department have been written to seeking their views on the proposals contained in "Employment and Training for People with Disabilities". We are looking forward to receiving their comments.

Mr. Ashley

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment which organisations are being formally consulted on his Department's review of employment services for disabled people.

Mr. Jackson

[holding answer 25 July 1990]: The results of the review were published on 29 June in a consultative document "Employment and Training for People with Disabilities". Copies have been sent to a wide range of organisations and individuals; including the all-party disablement group, the Select Committee on Employment, the National Advisory Council on Employment of Disabled People, committees for the employment of disabled people, organisations of and for people with disabilities, providers of employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities, the CBI, the TUC, local authorities and professional bodies with an interest in the employment and training of people with disabilities. Copies of the document are available to anyone who wishes to comment.

Mr. Ashley

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether his Department has carried out any studies of the operation and effectiveness of the new 6 per cent. French quota system for disabled people.

Mr. Jackson

[holding answer 25 July 1990]: No formal studies of the French system have been carried out by this Department. However, my officials are in regular contact with their European counterparts about all aspects of provision for people with disabilities, including the operation of quota/levy systems.

Mr. Ashley

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether his Department has evaluated and costed the feasibility of establishing a disablement commission to investigate cases of unjustifiable discrimination against disabled people.

Mr. Jackson

[holding answer 25 July 1990]: No formal evaluation or costing studies have been conducted. Were such a commision to be established, the cost would undoubtedly be substantial.