Written question asked by Lembit Opik (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 June 1997. It was answered by Lord Howarth of Newport (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 June 1997 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: How many young people are currently receiving the jobseeker's allowance, under the severe hardship provision or receiving a bridging allowance. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mr. Opik: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many young people are currently receiving the jobseeker's allowance, under the severe hardship provision or receiving a bridging allowance; and if he will make a statement. [4852] Mr. Howarth: There were 16,000 young people aged 16 and 17 years old receiving jobseeker's allowance (JSA) in February 1997, the latest date for which figures are available. The vast majority of these young people would have been receiving JSA because they would otherwise have faced severe hardship. There were 5,150 young people receiving a Youth Training Bridging Allowance in May 1997.

Secondary information