§ 56. Mr. Rathboneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has plans to increase the number of fraud specialists.
§ Mr. OrmeThe size and organisation of the staffing resources provided for fraud work are under review at present and, as I stated publicly on 21st September 1976, despite severe restrictions on manpower we shall aim to increase the number of fraud specialists if we are satisfied that more are needed.
§ 69. Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on his latest measures to end fraud and abuse of social security benefits.
§ Mr. OrmeI would refer my hon. Friend to my public statements of 29th July 1976 and 21st September 1976, in which I described further steps being taken, including a six-point action plan on which the specialist Headquarters Unit is working. However, we are never satisfied. The procedures are under constant review and we are always glad to consider constructive suggestions from any source.