HL Deb 21 July 1995 vol 566 c66WA
Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to Lady Blatch's answers of 13 July (H.L. Deb., cols. 1836–1839), whether they are aware of the article by Suzanne Glass, This Boy and His Friends Were Starving In Barnsley (Independent on Sunday, 16th July), and whether, without changing their policy of not commenting on individual cases, they will improve both their criminal and their social security statistics, in order to discover how many people are in the position described in the article.

Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

Young people need not suffer either homelessness or destitution. Youth training places and training allowances are available to young people. For those awaiting a place, income support may be payable if they would otherwise suffer severe hardship. Housing benefit is available for those who have a rent liability.