§ Mr. Dormandasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the basis for his assessment that the true cost of unemployment could be less than the total of transfer payments made to unemployed persons; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorI am not clear what assessment the hon. Member has in mind. But of the benefits paid to unemployed people, an estimated £1.15 billion is currently being spent on housing benefit. Some part of that would continue to be spent if the claimants returned to work because housing benefit can be paid to those in full or part-time employment.