§ 78. Mr. Fernyhoughasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the number of unemployed upon which the estimate was based that £2 million would be saved by non-pay meat of benefit for the first three days of unemployment.
§ Mr. DeanThe saving depends not on the total number unemployed at any one time, but on the number of spells of unemployment lasting more than two weeks—including shorter spells which link under National Insurance rules with other spells of unemployment or sickness—and on the proportions entitled to National Insurance benefits and to supplementary benefit. Only a very broad estimate can be made. The figure of £2 million is consistent with the general level and pattern of unemployment experience in recent years.