§ Mr. Raceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what would be the net cost at 1982–83 benefit rates, after taking account of the extra revenue from taxation and of savings of supplementary benefit, of paying unemployment benefit for an extra (a) 12 months, (b) two years and (c) so long as unemployment lasts; and in each case what would be the net cost assuming that unemployment benefit were raised to the level of the flat-rate retirement pension.
§ Mr. RossiThe information required, assuming taxation from July 1982, is as follows: 65W
£ million At unemployment benefit level (a) 300 (b) 475 (c) 550 At retirement pension level (a) 525 (b) 775 (c) 950