HC Deb 17 January 1997 vol 288 c408W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the start-up costs of the information technology system needed to run the jobseeker's allowance payment scheme. [10510]

Mr. Roger Evans

The information is set out in the table:

£million
Year Information Technology Services Agency Benefits Agency/ Employment Service Total
1994–95 2,395 0,394 2,789
1995–96 15,385 3,235 18,620
1996–97 7,051 2,239 9,290
Total 24,831 5,868 30.699

Mr. Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the estimated annual running costs of the jobseeker's allowance payment scheme. [10511]

Mr. Evans

The information is not yet available. However, it is estimated that the annual costs of administering jobseeker's allowance will be broadly similar to those for the previous benefits, unemployment benefit and income support for unemployed people.