§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations she has received regarding the proposed closure of Ingol rehabilitation centre; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe Department has recieved representations from some hon. Members and from Lancashire county council. Preston borough council and one or two groups representing people with disabilities suggesting that the proposed closure of Ingol rehabilitation centre be reconsidered.
I believe that the major changes we are making in employment rehabilitation, of which the proposed closure is part, will lead to a better service for people with disabilities. Those changes involve replacing most of the Employment Service's network of centres with a network of local rehabilitation agents which has wider geographical coverage and which harnesses sources of commitment and expertise in the community. Adequate alternative provision, including residential provision, is now available, through agents, for clients of Ingol rehabilitation centre, and we are therefore satisfied that the closure should proceed.