HC Deb 26 November 1987 vol 123 c297W
52. Mr. Ronnie Campbell

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the current cost of unemployment in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Major

The estimated expenditure on unemployment and supplementary benefit paid to the unemployed is £6,050 million. In addition, it is estimated that £1,300 million will be paid in housing benefit, a benefit which can continue to be paid if the recipient finds employment.