§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the total work force in his Department are registered as disabled; what steps she is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within her Department; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleAt January 1992—the latest figures available—1.9 per cent. of the total workforce was registered disabled. In addition, a number of staff have a disability but are not registered. The Department is an equal opportunity employer and observes the code of practice for the employment of people with a disability issued by the Cabinet Office. At present the majority of recruitment is being undertaken by the NHS management executive which is to relocate from London to Leeds, where the new building has been designed specifically to allow easy access for people with disabilities. A recently published brochure outlining job opportunities within the management executive encourages applications from people with disabilities. In addition all job advertisements carry the recognised disability symbol which signifies that applications are welcomed from people with a disability who are suitably qualified.