§ 19. Mr. Clayasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of (a) the total cost and (b) the cost per person of unemployment for 1986–87.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe overall cost of unemployment and supplementary benefit paid to the unemployed is estimated to be £5.6 billion in 1986–87. In addition, it is estimated that £1.15 billion will be paid in housing benefit, a benefit which can continue to be paid if the recipient finds employment. Taken together these benefits average about £2,500 per head.
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§ 23. Mr. Frank Cookasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost to the Exchequer of the current level of unemployment.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe overall cost to the Exchequer of unemployment and supplementary benefit to the unemployed is estimated at £5.6 billion. In addition, it is estimated that £1.15 billion will be paid in housing benefit. a benefit which can continue to be paid if the claimant finds employment.
§ 24. Mr. Marlowasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the cost of unemployment pay to single persons under the age of 25 years.
§ Mr. MacGregorI regret that estimates of expenditure on this group of beneficiaries could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.