§ 58. Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his latest estimate of the total cost of social security in April 1987 on unchanged policies and with benefit upratings in accordance with current practices.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe latest available estimate is £44 billion and is contained in table 3.12 of volume II of the public expenditure White Paper (Cmnd. 9428–II).
§ Mr. Harveyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the average cost to the Exchequer of a single person on social security; what is his estimate of the cost to the Exchequer of an average family on social security; and what was the total cost to the Exchequer of social security and unemployment benefits in the latest financial year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. WhitneyI shall let my hon. Friend have a reply as soon as possible.