HC Deb 26 February 1997 vol 291 cc279-80W
Mr. Alan Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of(a) the annual cost and (b) the numbers gaining, broken down by benefit for (i) under-19-year-olds, (ii) those between 19 years and 25 years and (iii) over-25-year-olds of allowing a 21 hours per week study rule across all means-tested contributory and non-contributory benefits. [15868]

Mr. Roger Evans

There is insufficient information on which to base an estimate.

Allowing a 21-hour study rule would affect only the income-related benefits and both the income-based and contribution-based routes into jobseeker's allowance because other benefits already allow study of up to 21 hours without loss of entitlement, or place no restrictions on hours of study generally.