HC Deb 23 March 1979 vol 964 c165W
41. Mr. Rippon

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total public expenditure on benefits to the unemployed and their families in 1976–77 and 1977–78; and whether he expects any reduction in the current financial year.

Mr. Orme

Public expenditure on unemployment benefit and supplementary benefit to the unemployed and their families was £1,117 million in 1976–77 and £1,319 million in 1977–78. The estimated expenditure on these benefits for 1978–79 is £1,320 million.