§ 16. Mr. Litterickasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the approximate 225W annual cost to the Exchequer of supporting the 152,000 building workers currently reported to be unemployed; and if he will take steps to reduce this burden of unproductive public expenditure.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettThe cost to the Exchequer and to the National Insurance Fund of supporting 150,000 unemployed for one year at current rates of benefit is approximately £150 million. This excludes the loss of revenue to the Exchequer and the fund. The situaion in the construction industry is being kept under constant review.