HL Deb 19 May 1998 vol 589 c159WA
Lord Morris of Manchester

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What recent contact Remploy has had with the Department of Social Security in relation to the welfare-to-work programme; and whether any meeting with Remploy is being considered by DSS Ministers. [HL1830]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)

In developing the New Deal for Disabled People we are consulting widely with disabled people and the organisations that represent them, and with other interested parties. On 12 May I took part, with other Government Ministers, in a seminar where disabled people and others with an interest, including Remploy, were invited to express their views on the shape and scope of the personal adviser service for disabled people which we will begin piloting later this year. Following recent correspondence I have had with Remploy, officials from the department will be visiting one of its factories next month to learn more about its work and to inform further development of the New Deal.