HC Deb 02 July 2002 vol 388 cc279-80W
Mr. Tom Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to consult organisations representing blind and partially-sighted people including the Royal National Institute for the Blind in developing the next UK Employment National Action Plan. [40417]

Mr. Nicholas Brown

The current UK Employment Action Plan—for 2002–has been completed and deposited in the Library. It highlights the Government's employment strategy that seeks to ensure that the most help is given to those who face the greatest difficulty finding work, of which disabled people are a key group. The Department liaises with organisations like the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) on these policies, which are already in place or are being developed, at various stages.

In addition to that consultation, the UK Disability Forum for Europe, to which the RNIB belongs, contributed to the 2002 plan. This contact will be continued when the next plan, for 2003, is being prepared. Trade and Industry how many vehicles subject to vehicle excise duty are capable of using LPG fuel. [65249]

Mr. Jamieson

I have been asked to reply.

DVLA statistics do not distinguish between liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and, say, natural gas vehicles; only between vehicles that are dedicated gas or petrol/gas combinations. Generally, however, cars and light commercial vehicles tend to use LPG, while heavier vehicles use natural gas. The table shows the last five years for which figures are available:

Officials will be discussing with RNIB how best that organisation might continue to the preparation of the 2003 plan.

Mr. Tom Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what measures he intends to include in the next UK Employment National Action Plan to improve job opportunities and job retention for blind and partially-sighted people. [40418]

Mr. Nicholas Brown

The current UK Employment Action Plan—for 2002—has been completed and deposited in the Library. It highlights the Government's employment strategy that seeks to ensure that the most help is given to those who face the greatest difficulty finding work. In this context, the plan covers policies such as the New Deal for Disabled People, which extend to blind and partially-sighted people, as well as other people with disabilities.

The exact content of the 2003 plan can only be decided when the European Employment Guidelines—to be proposed this November—have been agreed. However, integrating into the labour market all those with a disadvantage will remain a priority for the UK and for Europe. Therefore, measures in this area are likely to be reported on in the next and future Employment Action Plans.

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