HC Deb 30 November 1998 vol 321 cc101-2W
Mr. Rendel

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what factors underlie the forecast reduction in social security spending in the pre-Budget report. [61455]

Mr. Darling

The forecasts of Social Security expenditure published in the Pre-Budget Report were revised to reflect new economic assumptions and the effects of more active management of the caseload.

Mr. Rendel

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what account he has taken of any rise in unemployment in forecasting expenditure on social security benefits over the next three years. [61454]

Mr. Darling

Forecasts of Social Security benefit expenditure in the Pre-Budget Report take into account a number of relevant economic assumptions provided by the Treasury, including the level of unemployment set out in paragraph B9 of the Report.