asked the Minister of Overseas Development what action he is taking to increase the number of registered disabled persons employed in his Department; and when he expects to achieve the 3 per cent. target.

The Ministry carries out its own recruitment only for the more junior posts. It is our practice to invite disabled people to apply for these and to give them some preference. We are anxious to reach the 3 per cent. quota, but when we shall do so depends on the number of well-qualified disabled people who present themselves for recruitment.