Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much he estimates will be paid out in pensions, unemployment and sickness benefit and supplementary benefit, respectively, in the current year; and by what percentage those figures exceed the comparable figures for previous years.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe information requested is as follows:
Percentage increase Estimated expenditure 1978–79 over 1976–77 expenditure over 1977–78 expenditure £m. Per cent. Per cent. Retirement pension 7,483 32 14 Unemployment benefit 688 23 9 Sickness benefit 655 27 7 Supplementary benefit 2,185 43 11