§ Mr. RooneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 4 April,Official Report, column 1062, what definition he intends to introduce to mirror the concept of guided learning hours appropriate to England and Wales. [41949]
§ Mr. MossThe guided learning hours concept does not apply in Northern Ireland where the distinction between full-time and part-time courses remains clear in all sectors of education. The determining rules for Northern Ireland will continue to be that attendance at a full-time course will normally exclude a person from benefit. Attendance at a part-time course will not exclude that individual from benefit, so long as he or she remains available for and actively seeking work.