§ 20. Mr. O'Neillasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost to the Exchequer of unemployment based on the latest unemployment figures.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe overall cost to the Exchequer of unemployment and supplementary benefit paid to the unemployed is estimated to be £5.6 billion in 1986–87. In addition it is estimated that £1.15 billion will be paid in housing benefit, a benefit which can continue to be paid if the claimant finds employment.
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§ 39. Mr. Willie W. Hamiltonasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to include a forecast of the level of unemployment in 1987–88 in his next Budget; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorI refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Coventry, South-East (Mr. Nellist).
§ 44. Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department has made any recent study of the comparative effects on unemployment of tax cuts and increased public expenditure; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorThere are considerable limitations on such estimates, which depend on the definitions and assumptions used, as well as the time scale chosen.