§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the figures for(a) applications and (b) the take-up of the special hardship allowance for under 18-year-olds with no YTS.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardIn the period 12 September 1988 to 3 November 1989 a total of 17,996 applications were considered for a direction by the Secretary of State under the severe hardship provision. In 11,902 cases (66 per cent.) a direction was given to enable payment of income support to be made.