HC Deb 04 May 1976 vol 910 cc349-50W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will amend supplementary benefit regulations in such a way as to enable the West Lancashire District Council to continue with its scheme to provide work experience for unemployed school leavers; and, if not, why not.

Mr. Orme

No. Any work done under schemes to provide school leavers with work experience should be paid for at the appropriate rate for the job. It is not the function of supplementary benefit to subsidise such employment. The West Lancashire District Council has now written to my Department and I am arranging for a comprehensive reply to be sent to it, which I shall copy to my hon. Friend.