asked the Minister of Labour how many disabled men are employed at the Southampton Remploy factory; how far it is possible to increase the number; and whether the number of occupations there may be increased.

Forty-one severely disabled persons are employed at the Southampton Remploy factory, which has a capacity of about 50 places. The factory is engaged in the manufacture of knitted goods, for which there is a steady and increasing demand. While that position lasts, I understand that Remploy Ltd. think it better not to change over to other lines of production.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a great shortage of jobs for disabled unemployed in Southampton, and that many of the disabled men are unsuited to the single type of work which is carried on in this factory?

I will make investigations.

Is there any possibility of a second Remploy factory being established at Southampton?

I think it would be very difficult to add to the number at the moment, but I will certainly investigate the matter.