§ Mr. Lawlerasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he has any plans to change the eligibility rules for the enterprise allowance to allow youth training scheme trainees to take advantage of the scheme immediately after they have finished their training.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonThe enterprise allowance scheme is available only to people over 18 because legal problems in enforcing contracts make it difficult for minors to run a business. Those who complete their training on the youth training scheme are, therefore, not eligible to join the enterprise allowance scheme until their 18th birthday. We have no plans at the moment to alter this age limit.