§ Mr. WatsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he intends to take to reduce the number of 16 and 17-year-olds applying for severe hardship payments due to their inability to secure a place on a youth training scheme.
§ Mr. Allan StewartI am assured by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise that there are sufficient youth training places available throughout Scotland for those young people who want one.
Liaison arrangements exist between the Benefits Agency's severe hardship claims unit based in Glasgow and these organisations and their networks of local enterprise companies, to provide additional help where required to young people claiming a severe hardship allowance while seeking a youth training place. I understand that these arrangements are working satisfactorily.