§ 6. Mr. Hannamasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will provide travelling expenses for those young people taking part in the youth opportunities programme.
§ Mr. AlisonYoung people taking part in the youth opportunities programme can claim travelling expenses over £4 a week.
§ Mr. HannamIs my right hon. Friend aware that a number of local youth organisations and MSC representatives have said that youngsters faced with travelling costs of £2, £3 or £4 per week are opting out of the YOP? Will he reconsider the matter and extend the travelling costs provision to those further down the scale?
§ Mr. AlisonI have no evidence of youngsters opting out of the YOP because of travelling costs. We have the opposite evidence of huge numbers wanting to join the programme. I shall study my hon. Friend's point. He knows that it is possible for the MSC to help people, especially from rural areas, with travel by means of minibuses.
§ Mr. James HamiltonAs well as taking note of the point about travelling expenses, will the Minister take cognisance of the MSC's recommendation that the £23.50 should be increased to £28? Is he aware that in Bothwell many youngsters are being exploited? The sooner an investigation is carried out, the better it will be for all concerned.
§ Mr. AlisonI note the hon. Gentleman's point. The main question relates to travelling expenses. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to table a question about the YOP allowance, I shall seek to answer it.