§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Prime Minister what is the latest estimate of the total cost to public funds, including benefits received and tax and insurance payments forgone, of a person being unemployed for a year, broken down into the individual constituents.
§ The Prime MinisterThe estimated average cost per beneficiary of benefits paid in respect of unemployment is £2,350 for 1985–86. Changes in tax revenue and income from national insurance contributions depend on the causes of unemployment and there is a wide range of possible effects. No sensible estimate can therefore be given.