HC Deb 13 February 1986 vol 91 c546W
62. Mr. Sedgemore

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the Government's estimate of the overall annual cost to the Exchequer of unemployment; and how this figure is calculated.

Mr. MacGregor

It is estimated that the overall cost to the Exchequer of benefits to the unemployed was about £6,800 million in 1985–86. It is not possible to estimate the revenue forgone.