§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will amend the social security regulations to ensure that young people aged 16 and 17 years who cannot find a place on youth training schemes can have their entitlement to child benefit restored for that period during which they do not receive unemployment benefit or income support and that parents be allowed increased benefits geared to child benefits where appropriate.
§ Mr. BurtNo. The Government believe that the current provisions for young people provide appropriate support704W to those waiting for a youth training place. Parents of such young people can already get child benefit for up to 16 weeks after their children leave school. Young people who are seeking a YT place whose parents are themselves dependent on income support may be entitled to income support in their own right under the severe hardship provision.