§ Mr. NellistTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will produce a table to show the changes in the level of YOP/YTS allowance since April 1978, giving(a) the date of the change, (b) the level of the 384W allowance and (c) the value of the allowance at November 1990 prices; and what the allowance would now be if it had kept pace with average earnings since April 1978.
Mr. JacksonThe table shows the changes in the minimum allowances paid to trainees on the youth opportunities programme/youth training scheme since 1978, expressed in cash terms and at October 1990 prices, the latest month for which information is available.
If the minimum YT allowance had increased with average earnings since April 1978, it would have been £62.35 in September 1990, the latest month for which average earnings information is available.
Figures quoted are minimum levels. A considerable number of YT trainees receive higher allowances or wages.
Date of change Cash value 1At constant October 1990 prices £ £ Lower level April 1978 19.50 51.50 November 1978 20.55 52.16 November 1979 23.50 50.82 January 1982 25.00 41.37 September 1984 26.25 37.96 September 1985 27.30 37.27 April 1987 28.50 36.48 July 1988 29.50 36.02 Higher level April 1986 35.00 46.69 1 Estimated using the movement in the Retail Prices Index.