§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will indicate the savings to the Exchequer arising from the failure to increase unemployment benefit in line with average earnings since 1979; and if he will specify the saving in 1990 and the anticipated saving in 1991.
§ Mr. Jack[holding answer 13 March 1991]: Unemployment benefit is increased annually in line with the retail prices index. If the benefit had been uprated in line with average earnings from 1979 onwards the estimated net additional cost in the financial year 1990–91 would be £125 million and in 1991–92 £150 million. Estimates for earlier years could be provided only at disproportionate cost.