asked the Minister of Labour if he will take steps to increase the compulsory percentage of disabled men to be employed for those establishments with a high proportion of sedentary work.

The Act does not empower me to fix a special percentage above the standard rate for an establishment, but only for a trade or industry, or a branch or part of a trade or industry, or a class of employer. But I have the question of an increase, either general or particular, in the quota obligation of employers under constant review, and an increase will be made if circumstances require it.

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is very considerable unemployment among disabled men, and that it appears to them to be very ridiculous that there should be only the same obligation on an organisation which does purely office work as there is on a factory?

I am not sure that that is a very material point, but, of course, I am bound by the Act, which provides the way in which special percentages shall apply.

Is the Minister satisfied that all employers are fully aware of their liabilities in the matter, and is he also satisfied with the machinery that exists at the present time?

I am not entirely satisfied that all employers are fully cognisant of their responsibilities, but the majority of them are playing the game. On the advice of our Advisory Council, we are taking steps to make a very extensive inquiry to find out whether employers do know, and, if they do, whether they are playing the game.