HC Deb 29 October 1987 vol 121 c438
5. Mr. Battle

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the annual cost to the Exchequer of unemployment in Yorkshire and Humberside region.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. John Major)

I regret that the information is not available.

Mr. Battle

Even taking into account the minimal drop in unemployment figures in areas such as mine, is the Chancellor not prepared to accept that, if lost taxes are added to benefits paid in areas such as Yorkshire and Humberside, the cost of unemployment to the Exchequer is more than £6,000 per person? Is he not prepared to accept that that works out at nearly £900 per household and that —[Interruption] —if the total for the whole country is worked out —

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Member must ask a question.

Mr. Battle

It cannot be heard because of the interruptions. Is the Chancellor not prepared to accept that the total cost to Britain is £19 billion, which is more than the Government are prepared to spend on the Health Service and that both the unemployed and the—

Mr. Speaker

Order. I think that that is enough.

Mr. Major

During the hon. Gentleman's question unemployment undoubtedly fell rather more, for he will be aware that, both nationally and in his constituency, unemployment is now falling quite rapidly.

Mrs. Peacock

Does my right hon. Friend agree that growth and investment in manufacturing in Yorkshire and Humberside are contributing significantly to a reduction in unemployment?

Mr. Major

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. The growth in the economy generally, including manufacturing, has been startling this year. It has made a material contribution to jobs.