§ Miss LestorTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many 16 and 17-year-olds were ineligible for benefits despite being unemployed in (1) 1989 and (2) 1990; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JackAny unemployed 16 or 17-year-old who is seeking a youth training placement is eligible for income support if severe hardship would otherwise result.508W Seventy-one per cent. of applications for severe hardship payments were successful in 1990 against 29 per cent unsuccessful. In 1989, the figures were 66 per cent. successful and 34 per cent. unsuccessful. Sixteen or 17-year-olds are not eligible for unemployment benefit because they are unable to satisfy the national insurance contribution conditions.
Footnote: 19,280 applications for severe hardship payments were successful in 1990 against 7,767 unsuccessful. In 1989 there were 11,965 successful and 6,164 unsuccessful applications.