asked the Minister of Labour how many severely disabled unemployed persons in the London area would suffer financial loss if they chose to work for Remploy instead of continuing to draw social welfare benefits

About 50, or one in nine, would lose on the starting rate, but earnings of Remploy workers can increase with experience; on a longer term view, therefore, the number who would lose would be much less than 50, but I cannot give a precise estimate.

Even if the number is only 50, does not that indicate that there should be another look at Remploy rates so that a man is not penalised by going to work? Alternatively, cannot some special supplemental welfare benefit be paid in this limited class of case?

The hon. and learned Gentleman will appreciate that the Remploy wage rates are negotiated in the usual way between the company and the trade unions. In the circumstances, I do not think that it would be proper for me to comment on that. I shall bring to the notice of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the other point which the hon. and learned Gentleman makes.

What is the average wage paid to adult men employed in Remploy factories?

In London, to which the original Question referred, about £9 15s. a week at present.