§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will show for the latest year for which figures are available: (a) the total cost of tax refunds to recipients of short-term social security benefits including supplementary benefit, and (b) the total notional loss to the Exchequer incurred through non-taxation of these benefits.
§ Mr. Robert SheldonIn answer to the first part of his queston I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 3rd February—[Vol. 904, c.531].
541WWith regard to the notional revenue forgone in respect of non-taxable short-term social security benefits, information on which to base precise figures is not available, but estimates subject to a margin of error, in respect of 1975–76 for Great Britain, at 1975–76 rates of tax and at benefit levels operative from November 1975, are as follows:
£million Sickness benefit … … 150 Unemployment benefit … … 180 Industrial injury benefit … … 15 Maternity benefit … … 15 I regret that information on which to base estimates for other benefits, including supplementary benefit, is not available.