§ 6. Mr. Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many special investigators are actually in post in following up social security benefit abuse; and how many vacancies for such officers there are.
§ Dr. OwenThe number of special investigators in post on 1st March 1976 was 370, and there were 33 vacancies.
§ Mr. FinsbergI hope that the Minister of State—the right hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr. O'Malley)—who is indisposed, will soon be better. Does the hon. Gentleman feel that these special investigators pay for themselves? Does he agree that most claimants of supplementary benefit are utterly genuine? Does he share the feelings of many hon. Members that abuses should be followed through as hard as possible?
§ Dr. OwenI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. I am sure that view is shared by all hon. Members. Efforts are being made to bring the establishment up to strength, because we agree with the hon. Gentleman that the special investigators produce value for money and perform a very useful function.
§ Mr. George RodgersDoes my hon. Friend agree that the small number of prosecutions shows the decency of most people, under financial stress, who receive benefit from the service? Does he further agree that there is greater concern in the country about the wide abuse of income tax legislation?
§ Dr. OwenA measure of even-handed-ness is the answer. There is no use in concentrating on abuses of the supplementary benefits system when there are other widespread abuses, especially taxation abuses. The small number of prosecutions indicates that the vast majority of people do not abuse the system.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeDoes the Minister accept that one reason for the small number of prosecutions is the limited amount of investigation that can be carried out with existing resources? Will he say why, in answer to a Written Question, the Government declined to increase the establishment of special investigators who represent one part of the Civil Service that saves public money and helps to reassure the public that money is being well spent?
§ Dr. OwenIt is a question of balance. We want at least to reach establishment. It is surprising how Opposition Members tend to be selective in the areas of Civil Service recruitment that they wish to increase.