§ Miss Richardsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what would be the net cost at 1980– 81 benefit rates of (a) increasing flat rate unemployment benefit to the level of invalidity pension
£ million Unemployment benefit payable at the equivalent rate of— Payable after 6 months unemployment Payable for a further year Payable as long as unemployment lasts flat rate unemployment benefit … … — 50 100 invalidity pension … … … … 65 140 240 basic retirement pension … … … 75 150 250 It is not possible to give a reliable estimate of the number of claimants who would cease to qualify for supplementary benefit if unemployment benefit was paid at a higher rate or for longer periods. It is likely, however, that less than 100,000 persons would cease to qualify if unemployment benefit was paid as long as unemployment lasts.