HC Deb 13 April 1976 vol 909 cc446-7W
27. Mr. Steen

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will invite school leavers to create their own jobs connected with the improvement of the quality of community life in the neighbourhood, for wages equivalent to the present unemployment benefit.

Mr. Harold Walker

No. The programmes already instituted by the Government to alleviate unemployment give young people opportunities to participate in worthwhile work in the community. I consider it inappropriate to pay wages which are equal only to unemployment benefit.