Mr. Jackson:

We have attempted to deal with that problem through, for example, the quota system, which has been in place for some 40 years but has not proved particularly effective.

The Department does not believe that the introduction of the legislation described by the right hon. Gentleman would be effective in combating discrimination, but we are doing a great deal to help people with disabilities. In 1989–90, the most recent year for which we have all the figures, about £400 million was spent to assist people with disabilities. That is a considerable increase on the spending of past years.