§ 21. Mr. SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, if he has any plans to amend the benefit regulations covering homeless 16 and 17-year-olds
§ Mr. ScottOur overall policy for young people remains correct and in the best interests of young people. As a result of the administrative improvements announced last November all young people are now interviewed about their claims and automatic consideration is given to the severe hardship provisions in every case where there is no entitlement under normal rules. In addition we are in the process of consulting voluntary groups about new instructions for our staff and the design of a leaflet for 16 and 17-year-olds.