§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether students, currently engaged in full-time education, can become eligible for financial aid under the employment transfer scheme irrespective of their personal financial situation, provided they fulfil the residential and travel criteria.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that an applicant's personal financial situation is not taken into account when considering eligibility for assistance under the employment transfer scheme, but there is an upper salary limit for the new job, at present £4,400 a year or £84.29 a week, above which no assistance is available. There are no exceptions for students.
§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of the number of students, currently engaged in full-time education, who will join the employment transfer scheme over the present and the next three months; and for what sum from public funds he has budgeted to cover this estimate.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that no such estimate or budget has been made.