HC Deb 08 December 1982 vol 33 c494W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will show the net cost of employing all the registered unemployed at weekly rates of £75, £100 and £150 (a) after taking into account increased revenue from income tax and national insurance contributions and (b) after also deducting the estimated savings on social security benefits and tax refunds.

Mr. Brittan

Changes in employment would effect the public finances in a number of ways, depending on the causes of the change. But there is no basis for estimating what public expenditures and receipts would be if all the unemployed were working.