§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he has any plans to amend the rules regarding those persons aged 16 and 17 years and entitlement to benefits; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss WiddecombeWe have no such plans. The Government's policy of guaranteeing a youth training place to all 16 and 17-year-olds who want one removes the need for them to become dependent on benefit.
§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many persons aged 16 and 17 years receiving special hardship allowance are(a) living independently and (b) living in board and lodging.
§ Miss WiddecombeSpecial hardship allowance was replaced by reduced earnings allowance from 1 October 1986. I assume that the question concerns 16 and 17-year-olds receiving severe hardship payments of income support. The information is not available in the form requested. However, in the week ending 30 November 1990 the numbers of 16 and 17-year-olds for whom a direction was made enabling income support to be awarded, under the severe hardship provision, was as follows:
Number Living independently 147 In lodging 240 A further 12 directions were made for which the requested information is unavailable.