§ Mr. Gordon Brownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the first-year and full-year cost of increasing unemployment benefit by £1 and £5 per week in 1985–86 and 1986–87 (a) net of the cost of indexation and (b) net of the cost of indexation and savings in other benefits as a direct result of these measures.
§ Mr. NewtonI shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, according to the most recent available figures, how many claimants are in receipt of unemployment benefit at less than the full rate (a) by sex and marital status and (b) where married, by sex and employment status of spouse.
§ Mr. Major[pursuant to his reply, 12 February 1986, c. 493–94): Information on the employment status of a claimant's spouse is not available. The other information requested is given in the table.
Receiving less than full rate unemployment benefit at November 1984 Three quarter rate Half rate Other* Total Males Married 5,500 3,200 17,000 25,700 Other 8,900 5,300 1,400 15,600 Females Married 7,500 5,000 100 12,600 Other 3,700 2,500 1,000 7,200 * These include cases of overlapping benefits, and persons who do not receive full rate benefit because of eg occupational pensions.