§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what would be the net cost of paying unemployment benefit at 1981–82 benefit rates so long as unemployment lasts; and what would be the extra tax yield assuming the taxation of benefit;
(2) what would be the net cost at 1981–82 benefit rates, after taking into account savings of supplementary benefit, of paying unemployment benefit for an extra (a) 12 months and (b) two years; in each case, what would be the net cost assuming that unemployment benefit was raised to the level of long term national insurance benefits; and in all cases what would be the additional tax yield once unemployment benefit is treated as taxable income.
§ Mr. ChalkerI shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.