§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures each local enterprise company in Scotland has taken to ensure adequate provision for the training and employment of people with special needs and/or disabilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan StewartLocal enterprise companies were required to make adequate provision for the training of people with special needs and/or disabilities in their business plans; and their success in catering for the training needs of this group is one of the criteria by which the local enterprise companies are judged by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. I have therefore asked the chairmen of both these organisations to write to the hon. Member on this matter.
Action in relation to access to employment is primarily a matter for the employment service rather than local enterprise companies, although they work in close co-operation.