asked the Minister of Labour the number of persons on the register of disabled persons at present recorded as unemployed at Employment Exchanges at Felling, County Durham, and at Hebburn and Jarrow, County Durham respectively.

The number of registered disabled persons capable of ordinary em- ployment, but recorded as unemployed on 19th May, 1947, was b7 at the Felling Exchange and 233 at the Hebburn and Jarrow Exchange. In addition, there were 14 and 26. unemployed at these two Exchanges respectively who were classified as severely disabled and needing sheltered employment.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in this Development Area there is a feeling that some employers are avoiding their legal and moral responsibility? Will he check up on the position, and satisfy public opinion that the Act is being observed?

I will gladly do so. We are a little concerned at the relatively high number of unemployed disabled persons in this area, and while I am satisfied that, in the main, employers are doing their best, I agree that there is need for further attention being paid to this matter.