HC Deb 09 July 1979 vol 970 c32W
Mr. Field

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate (a) the cost in benefit payments, (b) the loss of tax revenue, (c) the loss of national insurance revenue and (d) the cost of national income, for an increase in unemployment of (i) a single man (ii) a married man and (iii) a married man with two children.

Mr. Biffen

Unemployment benefits depend on the contributions record and previous employment of claimants as well as on their needs and dependants. Tax revenue, national insurance contributions and national income depend not only on the level of unemployment but also on how much income is produced by those in jobs. It is not therefore possible to provide estimates in the form requested by the hon. Member.