HC Deb 23 May 1980 vol 985 c460W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest estimate of the total cost of unemployment benefit and of supplementary benefit to the unemployed; and what are the costs of administration.

Mrs. Chalker

The estimated cost in 1980–81 is about £2,100 million in benefit and £290 million for administration.