§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has had regarding the levels of allowance paid to those on youth training schemes; what plans there are to alter the allowance in any way; what prospects there are to increase the allowance or alter the payment structure; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss WiddecombeI have had a number of representations regarding the levels of the youth training —YT—allowance. There are no plans to increase minimum YT allowances. Minimum YT allowances are set at levels which reflect the fact that trainees are involved in the learning process and I believe current levels are sufficient to meet the normal requirements of trainees living in the parental home.
Trainees who are employed are paid a wage by their employers. Employers benefit from considerable Government investment in the training of young people and are therefore encouraged to pay trainees more than the specified minimum rates of allowance wherever possible.