HC Deb 02 February 1981 vol 998 c6W
15. Mr. Ray Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to increase the level of payment to youngsters engaged in the youth opportunities programme in the light of the need to compensate the young people adequately and to secure the support of the trade union movement.

Mr. Peter Morrison

No. The Government believes that the present level of allowance still represents a sufficient lead over benefit rates for the 16 and 17-year-olds on whom the youth opportunities programme will now concentrate.