§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will make it her policy to increase the weekly allowance offered to non-employed 16 and 17-year-olds on youth training placements.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThere are no plans at present to increase minimum YT allowances. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment believes that the current minimum allowances are sufficient to meet the normal requirements of trainees living in the parental home. Trainees who live independently may apply for income support if they consider their income is insufficient to meet their needs. Employers benefit considerably from Government expenditure on YT and are strongly encouraged to supplement trainee incomes wherever possible.