Six mentally disabled workers who were rescued in a crackdown on illegal brick kilns in north China's Shanxi Province are being cared for, according to the local government.

The six workers, who are in their 30s or 40s but cannot tell where they come from, were rescued a week ago from illegal brickyards in Ruicheng, one of the places in Shanxi where forced labor cases have been exposed.

They are now living in a house for retired veterans in Ruicheng and will be transferred to a welfare house in Yuncheng City in a month, according to Yang Genlao, deputy director of the Ruicheng Civil Affairs Bureau.

"Doctors carried out physical checkups when they were sent here and found no wounds on their bodies," said Xi Xiangsi, a worker in the house where they are being looked after.

The forced labor scandal in Shanxi made headlines all over China in early June, sparking outrage among the public and arousing great concern from top leaders. The workers were forced to work long hours without payment in brickyards, mines and other small works.

On Friday, an investigation group announced a total of 359 people, including 12 children and 65 mentally retarded workers, had been rescued in Shanxi.

In total, 35 people have been detained in relation to the affair and 20 others are being sought.

Shanxi's provincial governor Yu Youjun apologized over the forced labor scandal, promising to do everything in his power to root out the illegal practices.

Shocked by the scandal, China said it would soon launch a nationwide inspection of labor conditions in small kilns and collieries.

(Xinhua News Agency June 25, 2007)