§ 33. Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what changes he is contemplating to enable more unemployed people to undertake academic courses of full-time or part-time study at colleges of further education.
§ Sir Keith JosephThe so-called 21-hours rule already allows unemployed people seeking work to study part-time, while retaining their entitlement to supplementary benefit. The arrangement is subject to certain requirements which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services proposes to simplify and clarify by amendment of the supplementary benefit regulations. The Department proposes to issue appropriate guidance to local education authorities and colleges partly with a view to improving awareness of the arrangements and of the educational opportunities which they offer, and has invited comments on a draft administrative memorandum.