HC Deb 24 November 1977 vol 939 cc854-5W
Mr. Woof

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue losses directly associated with 1,500,000 unemployed persons, in terms of national insurance contributions, and loss of revenue taken into account over a full year.

Mr. Robert Sheldon

No realistic estimate can be made, since it would have to depend on assumptions about the earnings of the unemployed if they were in work and on their tax allowances.