§ Mr. Alan HowarthTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is her estimate of the revenue implications of changing the availability for work rule to 16 hours per week for people undertaking part-time work or study, or whose normal work pattern is part time. [2769]
§ Mr. ForthNo such estimate has been made with regard to changing availability rules for people who wish to undertake part-time work or study. It is clear, however, that for people to be available only for work of up to 16 hours per week would significantly restrict the number of jobs for which they were available and reduce their chance of finding work.