§ Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received against the proposed deferment of the payment of supplementary benefit to school leavers until a fixed date about the beginning of the term following their leaving school; how much he expects to save from this proposal; and, in view of the hardship it will cause, whether he will consider its abandonment.
§ Mrs. ChalkerRepresentations have been received from various sources, including hon. Members, educational and careers interests. The change is expected to produce a net saving of £4 million a year. There is no reason to withdraw the change, particularly as social security dependency benefit and child benefit already being received by a parent or guardian will continue to be paid during the period of deferred entitlement. In special cases, such as the claimant being a young parent with a child, supplementary benefit is payable.