§ Mr. Nellistasked the Paymaster General what would be the value of the present day YTS allowance if it had been increased since its inception in 1978 by (a) the rise in earnings and (b) the rise in the retail prices index.
§ Mr. TrippierThe youth opportunities programme allowance was £19.50 in 1978. If it had been increased in line with movements in the retail price index it would now be £38.05; if increased in line with movements in the average earnings index it would be £44.06.
The current YTS allowance is £27.30, and the allowance for second year trainees will be £35 from 1 April 626W this year. Allowance levels must reflect the fact that trainees are only learning, and YTS provides substantially upgraded training compared with the youth opportunities programme.