§ Mr. Frank Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to ensure that officials of his Department promulgate the position regarding the right to supplementary benefit for Easter school leavers as set out in the answer to the hon. Member for Birkenhead, 12 June, Official Report, column 303, in advice to potential claimants and in interviews and briefings with the media; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NewtonThe hon. Member's question and my reply to him on 12 June at column303 referred to the benefit entitlement of young people leaving school at Whitsun and not to those who left school at Easter. The Chief Adjudication Officer's guidance for adjudication officers in local offices on the entitlement of school leavers in general to supplementary benefit is contained in the published "S Manual" paragraphs 2251–2292. Advice on Easter school leavers in particular is contained in circular S51/85.