HC Deb 02 February 1983 vol 36 c296
31. Mr. McKelvey

asked the Solicitor-General for Scotland how many prosecutions are being pursued in the Kilmarnock area as a result of the investigations by the special investigation team attached to the Department of Health and Social Security.

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

None, Sir.

Mr. McKelvey

I am glad to hear that answer, because it vindicates the honest people of Kilmarnock. Does the Solicitor-General agree that the Government could spend their money better by seeking those who are not being paid the benefits due to them, particularly the elderly and the handicapped, either because they are not claiming the benefits or they have been refused?

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

The matter that the hon. General has put to me is one with which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State would have to deal. I should be involved only if there were cases reported to the procurator fiscal that suggested that there had been criminal fraud in relation to social security.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

Has the Solicitor-General's attention been drawn to the fiasco that took place in Oxford, when the legal rights of many citizens were trampled on? While recognising the difficult job of the DHSS in preventing fraud and checking on possible theft, can he assure us that he will not allow similar circumstances to arise in Scotland?

Mr. Fairbairn

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Assuming that Fife is in Kirkcaldy, is Oxford in Kilmarnock?

Mr. Speaker

I have not yet absorbed the first geography lesson.

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

I am obviously aware of the action that was taken in Oxford. I draw the hon. Gentleman's attention to the fact that in Scotland, as he is aware, we have the procurator fiscal system. If there were to be any allegations of fraudulent activity involving social security, they would need to be reported to the procurator fiscal if any action were to be taken in court.

Mr. Harry Ewing

Will the Solicitor-General obtain a copy of the booklet issued by the DHSS as instructions to social security fraud investigators and consider those instructions with a view to deciding whether they amount to harassment of the suspect?

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

I shall certainly look at that matter, but I am not aware that any complaints have been made to the procurators fiscal in Scotland of harassment of claimants.