Unemployment Benefit Payments

HC Deb 09 February 1970 vol 795 cc261-2W

Earl of Dalkeith

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the total amount paid out of public funds on unemployment benefit in Scotland in 1964 and 1969, respectively; and what percentage change this represents.

Mr. Dell

The amount of unemployment benefit paid in Scotland was:

• in 1964, £9,212,643.
• in 1969, £13,472,297.

The amount paid in 1969 is an increase of 46 per cent. over that in 1964. There have been increases in the rates of benefit during the period 1964 to 1969.

Earl of Dalkeith

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity what was the total amount paid out of public funds on unemployment benefit in the United Kingdom in 1964 and 1969, respectively; and what percentage change this represents.

Mr. Dell

Information for the whole of the United Kingdom is not available, but in Great Britain the amount of unemployment benefit paid was:

• in 1964, £44,871,151.
• in 1969, £105,906,663.

The amount paid in 1969 is an increase of 136 per cent. over that in 1964. There have been increases in the rates of benefit during the period 1964 to 1969.