§ Lord KILMARNOCKasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the average net benefit to the Exchequer when an unemployed worker becomes employed; and what average net benefit accrues (1) from social security contributions (by employer and by employee); (2) from income tax; (3) from indirect taxes on goods and services; and (4) from savings on the various social benefits paid to the unemployed worker.
§ The MINISTER of STATE, TREASURY (Lord Cockfield)The effect on Government revenue and social security payments when an unemployed worker becomes employed depends crucially on the financial and family circumstances of the individual concerned, how long he has been unemployed and how his spending behaviour responds. For a discussion of these relationships I would refer the noble Lord to the Treasury evidence dated 28th February 1980 to the House of Lords Select Committee on Unemployment. A copy is available in the Library.
House adjourned at quarter past eight o'clock.