HC Deb 13 December 1976 vol 922 cc498-9W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the total cost of unemployment benefit in each of the past three calendar years, 1973 to 1975; and what is his estimate of the cost in 1976.

Mr. Deakins

Expenditure figures for calendar years are not readily available, but the cost of unemployment benefit in the past three financial years has been as follows: 1973–74, £174 million; 1974–75, £214 million; 1975–76, £454 million.

It is estimated that the cost of unemployment benefit for the 1976–77 financial year will be £568 million.