§ Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report figures showing the estimated cost to public funds of maintaining a married unemployed worker with two children.
§ Mr. DeakinsI am afraid that an estimate cannot be made without more detailed information as to the man's previous earnings, his general family circumstances, the period of unemployment, and his tax and national insurance position. However, the standard rate of flat-rate unemployment benefit payable to a man with a dependent wife and two dependent children for the first 12 months of unemployment is currently £23.50 a week; he390W may also be entitled to an earnings-related supplement for up to six months, at a maximum rate of £10.27 weekly.