§ Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the number of 16 and 17-year-olds who have had their supplementary benefit payment cut as a result of not accepting a place on the youth training scheme since September 1984.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe number of 16 and 17-year-olds who had their supplementary benefit reduced because they had, without good cause, refused a place on the youth training scheme during the period 26 September 1984 to 7 May 1985 (the latest date available) was 309.
§ Mr. Terry Fieldsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether 16 and 17-year-olds will continue to be eligible to receive supplementary benefit if they are unable to find work but have refused a place on the youth training scheme; and if he will make a statement.
(2) whether, in the case of a claimant of supplementary benefit refusing to take part in a Government training scheme, he or she is deemed to be unavailable for work and therefore not entitled to claim benefit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyUnder section 20(1)(e) of the Social Security Act 1975 a person is disqualified for receiving unemployment benefit for a period not exceeding 6 weeks 366W if he has, without good cause, refused a reasonable opportunity of receiving training approved by the Secretary of State in his case for the purposes of becoming or keeping fit for entry, or return to, regular employment. Supplementary benefit is reduced, normally by 40 per cent. of the personal scale rate, for the same period in accordance with regulation 8 of the Supplementary Benefit (Requirements) Regulations 1983. These provisions apply equally to the youth training scheme and to other forms of approved training. A person is not deemed to be unavailable for work solely on the basis of his refusing an offer of training.