§ Mr. Ian McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total amount paid out in unemployment benefit, by region in May 1979 and in the most recent month for which figures are available, at 1995 prices. [40835]
§ Mr. Roger EvansI have been asked to reply.
The table provides estimates for the most recent month for which figures are available. The information for May 1979 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Number of recipients (000s) Average amount of UB(£) Amount of UB paid (£Millions) England 458.7 48.63 22.3 South East 158.9 47.99 7.6 East Anglia 19.3 49.15 0.9 South West 40.7 48.43 2.0 West Midlands 51.9 48.88 2.5 East Midlands 39.2 49.32 1.9 Yorkshire and Humberside 51.6 49.68 2.6 North West 58.0 48.09 2.8 North 39.1 49.60 1.9 Wales 23.3 48.89 1.1 Scotland 58.9 48.45 2.9 Great Britain 540.8 48.62 26.3 Source:
5 per cent. sample of unemployed claimants taken on the second Thursday of May 1994.