§ 20. Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken following the meeting between the Minister with responsibility for industry and local government—the hon. Member for Kincardine and Deeside (Mr. Kynoch)—and the Scottish branch of the National League of the Blind in relation to section 2 workers. [12902]
§ Mr. KynochScottish Office officials have discussed with Glasgow city council the question of credit facilities for Blindcraft customers. The council agreed that the sensible way forward would be for Blindcraft to make arrangements with existing credit companies to provide services for its customers.
§ 30. Mr. Michael J. MartinTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what support his Department currently gives to(a) blind and disabled workshops and (b) Blindcraft outlets. [12912]
§ Mr. KynochFunding for supported workshops is provided by the Employment Service, an executive agency of the Department for Education and Employment, and paid to Scottish local authorities as a specific grant within the overall amount of aggregate external finance. The total level of grant for 1996–97 was set at £4.4 million. The amount actually paid will depend on numbers of qualifying employees, but it is estimated that about £4.1 million will be paid in the current year. Of that amount, it is estimated that about £1.0 million will relate to Blindcraft establishments.