HC Deb 27 October 1994 vol 248 c794W
Ms Short

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has for changing the 21-hour rule; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Roger Evans

The "21-hour rule" is a special provision which enables income support claimants who are unemployed to spend their time usefully in part-time study while continuing their search for work. The rules governing study on benefit are designed to allow people to undertake study, which will increase their employability, while remaining available for, and actively seeking, work. The "Jobseeker's Allowance" White Paper, which was published on 24 October, makes it clear that the Government intend to continue broadly with the same approach in JSA. Details of the JSA scheme are still under consideration.