§ Mr. Nobleasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the estimated net cost to public expenditure of the temporary employment subsidy from its introduction to the latest available date.
§ Mr. GoldingDue to offsetting savings on unemployment benefit and the maintenance of revenue from taxation and national insurance contributions, the net cost to public expenditure is very low. The estimate depends upon a number of variables, and as some of these are still being studied it is not possible at this200W stage to quote a final figure. The gross costs of the scheme, assuming take-up continues at the present rate until 30th April, will be about £260 million.
§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his latest estimate of the number of people employed as a result of the temporary employment subsidy.
§ Mr. GoldingAs at 4th February 1977, it is estimated that about 170,000 people were employed in jobs preserved as a result of the temporary employment subsidy.
§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Employment how much was spent on the temporary employment subsidy in 1976.
§ Mr. GoldingBetween 1st January and 31st December 1976, payments totalling £56,183,891 were made under the temporary employment subsidy scheme.