To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the training allowance paid to unemployed 16 and 17-year-olds on youth training programmes in (a) 1988 and (b) in the last year for which figures are available in real terms. [37055]

The minimum levels of training allowance paid to 16 and 17-year-olds on youth training programmes were (a) £29.50 and £35 in 1988–89 and (b) £21.39 and £25.37 in 1995–96, at 1988–89 prices.Figures are available only for the minimum level of allowance. Employers and training providers are encouraged to top up minimum levels of allowance and many do.