asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many disabled persons are registered for employment in Hartlepool; whether she is satisfied that the local authority and Government Departments are fully operating the regulations relating to the employment of the disabled; and if she will make a statement.

On 14th November, 1968, the number of registered disabled persons registered for employment at the Hartlepool Employment Exchanges was 204. I am satisfied that the local authority is fully operating the regulations relating to the employment of the disabled and Government Departments although they are under no statutory obligations, are observing the obligations of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act both as regards recruitment and discharge of staff. My officers lose no opportunity of bringing unemployed registered disabled people to the notice of the local authority and to Government Departments when they have suitable vacancies. Both have a good record of co-operation with my officers in this matter.