§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the non-payment of supplementary benefit until September to school leavers and students.
§ Mrs. ChalkerI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for West Stirlingshire (Mr. Canavan) on 7 July.—[Vol. 8, c.105.]. The new rules do not affect students in advanced education.
Mr. Gwilym Roberts asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what estimates are available of the number 680W of school leavers and students who will not receive supplementary benefit this summer due to the new provisions.
§ Mrs. ChalkerInsufficient information is available to make a valid estimate and I am unable to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Foster) on 20 May.—[Vol. 5, c.94.]
§ Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to make supplementary benefit available to school leavers and students for the 1981 summer period even if these payments have to be made retrospectively; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ChalkerNo. We have made clear that we shall review the change if there is evidence of harm. Further consideration must await the results of the Department of Education and Science monitoring of the examination position later this year.