§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the total cost to public funds of social security benefits to persons on TOPs 429W course, while they were on the course during the last 12 months for which figures are available; what was the average weekly benefit for such an individual; and if he will give a break-down of that weekly figure by constituent benefits.
§ Mr. OrmeAttendance at a TOPs course does not, in itself, attract the payment of any social security benefit. Certain benefits, such as widowed mother's allowance or industrial disablement benefit, may continue in payment to persons who go on these courses, and in certain circumstances supplementary benefit could be payable as a supplement to a training allowance, but no information is available as to the cost of benefits so paid.