§ Mr. Frank Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has taken any action to inform Easter school leavers of their possible changed entitlement to benefit in the current year; and if he will mount a publicity campaign to this effect.
§ Mr. NewtonThe question of a school leaver's entitlement to supplementary benefit remains to be decided by the independent adjudicating authorities on the facts of the individual case. A social security commissioners' decision in March 1985 indicated that in some circumstances a school leaver with exams to take might be entitled to benefit. Leaflet FB20 gives advice to school leavers on how to claim benefit, and young people under 18 are required to register with the careers service, whose officers are aware of the benefit position and will refer them to DHSS local offices for advice. We believe that adequate information is available by these means.