HC Deb 15 February 1982 vol 18 cc23-4W
Mr. Bevan

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will seek to introduce extra payment to those young people who volunteer for working on schemes that benefit the community, over and above the amounts that are paid to the young unemployed in the normal way.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Young people who opt for training in the youth opportunities programme undertake a variety of courses, which may include service of benefit to the community. They receive an allowance of £25 a week, which is around £8 more than they would receive if unemployed and drawing supplementary benefit. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services has also laid before the House regulations that will make it easier for unemployed people to do a certain amount of work without affecting their entitlement to benefit.