§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment how much a 16-year-old school leaver can be paid if he works on the work experience scheme; and how this compares with the unemployment benefit for a 16-year-old.
§ Mr. GoldingI am informed by the Manpower Services Commission that young people participating in the work experience programme are paid a flat-rate maintenance allowance of £16 per week. The allowance is free of income tax and national insurance contributions. An unmarried 16-year-old who was entitled to unemployment benefit would receive an allowance of £12.90 per week.