asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the level of supplementary benefit payable for people between the ages of 16 and 21 years; and how this compares with basic unemployment pay.

The supplementary benefit payable to a young unemployed person depends on the family and household responsibilities and on the claimant's resources. The great majority of young claimants are single members of their parents' households and their usual supplementary benefit requirement would be £16·35 for those aged over 18 and £12·95 for those aged 16–17. The standard national insurance unemployment benefit rate is £18·50.