HC Deb 29 January 1981 vol 997 c498W
8. Mr. Alton

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what he estimates to be the average loss of output caused by each additional 100,000 unemployed.

Mr. Brittan

Whilst losses of output and increases in unemployment are undoubtedly related, it is not possible to quantify this accurately. The precise relationship will depend on which sectors of the economy experience the fall in employment, and on the subsequent development of the economy.