HC Deb 13 May 1970 vol 801 cc291-2W
65. Mr. Silvester

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what level of unemployment his Department assumed in estimating expenditure on social security at £ 1,005 million in 1970–71 as published in Table 2 on page 3 of Command Paper No. 4331; and what level of both his Department anticipates on the basis of unchanged policies in 1971–72.

Mr. Taverne:

The Supply Estimate for 1970–71 assumed unemployment of 550,000, as this was the level at which it stood when the estimate was prepared. My right hon. Friend will be considering with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Social Services, towards the end of this year the implications of the economic situation, as it then appears, for his estimates for 1971–72.