§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if, further to his reply to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Heeley (Mr. Hooley) Official Report 22 May, column 73, as part of his review of the education and training of the 16 to 18 year olds, he will initiate consultation with all those concerned in order to rationalise the differing rates of income maintenance paid for young people, to encourage as many as possible to acquire further education and technical 266W skills, and to ensure that they are not paid for doing nothing.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneThe various allowances and benefits paid to young people not in work are paid for different purposes and in different circumstances. My right hon. and learned Friend is responsible for education allowances only. We have made it clear that we do not intend to initiate action in that area in isolation from more general issues of education and training opportunities for the age group.