§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will arrange for all social services benefits paid to recipients to contain a receipt form to be signed giving a summary of offences and penalties, as detailed in 120W the letter from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West, sent under date of 17th July.
§ Mr. OrmeI am grateful to my hon. Friend for his suggestion, which will be considered as part of my review of the Department's antifraud measures. It would involve the elaboration of some 92 million giro cheques and 600 million order book foils issued each year and this would have to be weighed against its possible deterrent effect. All initial claim forms for social security benefits require the claimant to certify that the facts given are true to the best of his knowledge and belief and also carry a prominent warning that to give false information may result in prosecution. This procedure is sufficient to enable fraudulent claimants to be prosecuted.
I am writing to my hon. Friend.