§ Q7.Mr. Andrew F. Bennett asked the Prime Minister what is the latest evidence available to her about the effect of not allowing school leavers to draw social security until September, rather than as soon as they leave school, if they fail to get a job; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. Whitelaw:I have been asked to reply.
Views on the effect of the rules have been received from hon. Members; educational, careers and local authority interests; and from members of the public. The numbers of pupils who entered for and attended the summer term CSE examinations have been monitored this year. This and other relevant information about the numbers of school leavers who have registered for work each month is under consideration, but it is too early to draw conclusions from the information so far available.