§ Mr. Frank Fieldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the cost of paying benefits to the unemployed and their dependents, including national insurance, supplementary benefit and housing benefit for each year since 1978–79.
§ Mr. Newton[pursuant to his reply, 19 March 1986, c. 229–30]: The estimated cost of benefits paid in respect of unemployment for each year since 1978–79 is as follows:
£ million 1978–79 1,340 1979–80 1,420 1980–81 2,470 1981–82 3,960 1982–83 4,950 1983–84 5,600 1984–85 6,200 1985–86 6,650 These figures relate to unemployment benefit, supplementary benefit and certificated housing benefit. The figures do not include standard housing benefit or other benefits which can continue to be paid if the recipient finds employment.