§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received calling for a relaxation of the condition that unemployed people should have been registered as unemployed for at least 12 months before they are allowed to claim supplementary benefit while attending further education courses so long as they are available for work; if he will initiate consultations on some relaxation of the condition; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI am aware of some dissatisfaction about the different arrangements for those over 21 who apply for the 21-hour course concession. There has been no change from the policy drawn up by the Supplementary Benefits Commission, but I shall keep it under review.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will detail the types of part-time further education courses which those who have been unemployed for over a year are allowed to attend while still actively seeking work and claiming supplementary benefit.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe qualifying conditions are set out in regulation 7(2) of the Conditions of Entitlement Regulations 1980 (SI 1980 No. 1586) as amended by the Conditions of Entitlement Amendment Regulations 1981 (SI 1981 No. 99). Decisions on individual cases are for the benefit officer. Generally the education undertaken by beneficiaries of the concession is of a non-advanced nature.