§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many of his Department's staff have been trained to deal with the requirements of 16 and 17-year-olds under the procedures announced on 13 March 1989,Official Report, columns 27–28; what was the training involved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss WiddecombeNo records are held of the number of staff who have been trained. All appropriate staff receive technical training in the income support benefit provisions for 16 and 17-year-olds. Specialised training is provided for staff who interview young people under the severe hardship provisions, to enable them to recognise the needs of this vulnerable group.