§ Mr. Ralph Howellasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what was the cost of the administration involved in the payment of flat-rate unemployment benefit, earnings-related supplement and supplementary benefit, to the unemployed in 1974. 1975 and 1976.
(2) what was the cost of the administra tion involved in the payment of all benefits to the unemployed in 1974, 1975 and 1976.
§ Mr. OrmeExpenditure figures for calendar years are not readily available, but the cost of administration involved in the payment of flat-rate unemployment benefit, earnings-related supplement and supplementary benefit to the unemployed by financial year is estimated to be as follows: 1974–75, £80 million; 1975–76. £125 million; 1976–77, £165 million.
It is not possible to estimate the administration costs involved in the payment of other benefits to which persons unemployed may be eligible.