§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on the extent to which the new workers scheme is able to meet the needs of disabled youngsters.
§ Mr. LeeI am satisfied that the new workers scheme, by supporting full-time permanent jobs for young people under 21, meets the needs of all such young people—including those who are disabled—who might otherwise be unemployed.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Paymaster General what consultation took place with voluntary organisations and interested parties prior to the introduction of the new workers scheme.
§ Mr. LeeThe new workers scheme built on the experience of its predecessor, the young workers scheme. Both the CBI and the TUC were consulted prior co its introduction.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Paymaster General if he will consider extending to the new workers scheme the flexibility which was introduced into YTS for disabled young people by extending age limits and by offering additional financial support.
§ Mr. TrippierThere are currently no such plans. Although the upper age limit for entry to the new workers scheme is set at 20, it is nonetheless universal in its application to all young people, including those with special needs or disabilities.