31. Mr. MACLEANasked the Minister of Labour the total number of prosecutions for fraud on the unemployment fund for the six months ending 31st March, 1922; and the number of frauds by direct claims and the number on associated claims?
§ Sir M. BARLOWDuring the six months ending 31st March, 1922, there were 701 prosecutions for alleged fraud on the unemployment fund, and 640 convictions were obtained. About 20 of these convictions were obtained against persons who had claimed through associations and the remainder against direct claimants.
Mr. MACLEANDoes it not follow from those figures that the policy adopted by the Ministry of Health and carried out with the assistance of the trade unions of paying associated benefit has a distinct deterrent effect on any attempt at fraud, and is more useful in finding out whether the applicant is eligible for the unemployment donation?
§ Sir M. BARLOWThe hon. Member can draw his own conclusions from the figures, but we are obliged for the assistance which the unions give us in this regard.
§ Lieut.-Colonel NALLWhat steps are being taken to improve a system which is so open to fraud?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat should be a separate question.