§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will specify the savings to the Exchequer from the extension of the maximum period of disqualification for full unemployment benefit from six to 13 weeks, as decided in 1986, and from 13 to 26 weeks, as introduced in 1988; and if he will specify the savings in each year since the changes were made and the projected saving in 1991.
536W
§ Mr. ScottThe estimated benefit savings in the first full year after implementation were £21 million for the 1986 change and £37 million for the 1988 change. Due to the effect of behavioural changes arising from other amendments to unemployment benefit legislation and other economic factors it is not possible to specify savings in later years.