§ Mr. Shoreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the difference to the total of public expenditure if unemployment were at the same level in 1982–83 as it was in 1981–82.
§ Sir Geoffrey Howe[pursuant to his reply, 12 February 1982, c. 500.]: The public expenditure White Paper, to be published next month, will set out the unemployment assumptions that have been used in the public expenditure plans, and will also—as usual—provide a ready reckoner showing how direct benefit costs vary with changes in the numbers unemployed. I would ask the right hon. Gentleman to await the White Paper.