§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the public sector expenditure total has been spent on benefits related to unemployment for each financial year from 1979–80; and what is the latest estimate for 1992–93 and the expenditure forecast for 1993–94.
§ Mr. Portillo[holding answer 12 November 1992]: Figures on social security benefits by broad group of beneficiaries, including rate rebates and community charge benefit, for years 1986–87 to 1994–95 were published in table 5 of the 1992 Social Security Departmental Report (Cm 1914). Figures on general government expenditure for years 1979–80 to 1994–95 were published in table 2.1 of the Statistical Supplement to the 1991 "Autumn Statement" (Cm 1920).
Figures for social security benefits to the unemployed prior to 1986–87 are as follows:
33W
£ million 1979–80 1,470 1980–81 2,530 1981–82 4,020 1982–83 5,010 1983–84 5,700
£ million 1984–85 5,320 1985–86 6,960 Later figures for general government expenditure will be published in this year's "Autumn Statement". Later figures for social security benefits will be published in the 1993 Social Security Departmental Report.