§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the annual cost to the Exchequer of reducing the disqualification period for unemployment benefit for those leaving a job without good cause from 26 to six weeks.
§ Mr. JackThe annual cost of reducing the maximum period of disqualification for unemployment benefit from 26 to six weeks for those who lose their job through misconduct or voluntarily leave it without just cause, is estimated at around £35 million. This is based on the latest available figure of 14,746 disqualifications on these grounds in force on 9 May 1991.
§ Mr. MaxtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total annual cost of benefits to the unemployed and their dependants in Scotland in 1990–91; and what are the estimated costs for 1991–92.