HC Deb 24 June 1986 vol 100 cc107-8W
56. Mr. Hargreaves

asked the Paymaster General how many entrants there have been to the enterprise allowance scheme since August 1983.

Mr. Trippier

146,930 people entered the enterprise allowance scheme between 1 August 1983 and the end of May 1986.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Paymaster General if he will arrange to give more specific advice to applicants for the enterprise allowance scheme at the information session about the need to apply for help whilst still in receipt of social security benefits.

Mr. Trippier

[pursuant to his reply, 23 June 1986, c. 13–14]: Applicants for the scheme are already clearly advised both at information sessions and in the printed guide to the scheme that they must be receiving unemployment and supplementary benefit at the time of application. Applicants are also invited to ask questions about their eligibility for the scheme during the information session if they are in any doubt.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Paymaster General how many applicants applied for help under the enterprise allowance scheme after operation of their business commenced in the last period for which figures are available.

Mr. Trippier

[pursuant to his reply, 23 June 1986, c. 13–14]: The allowance is intended to provide an incentive for unemployed people to set up in business and is therefore not available to those who have already commenced operation of their business. Separate statistics are not kept for those whose applications were rejected because they had already started their business but 3.7 per cent. of applications received during May 1986 were rejected for various reasons.