HC Deb 14 December 1976 vol 922 cc639-40W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the tax yield if he taxed unemployment benefits.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

I regret that the information on which to base precise calculations is not available, but an approximate estimate for 1976–77 based on forecast expenditure on unemployment

four times, five times and 10 times average male earnings.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

The figures are as follows:

benefit in Great Britain at the rates of benefit that apply during the financial year is £180 million.