§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what changes in policy are being made with regard to prosecution for cases of fraud in claiming benefit; if he will give full details of these; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossiThe Department's policy is and has been to prosecute social security fraud wherever appropriate. During the past year prosecutions have been limited to more serious cases, the remainder being effectively dealt with by rapid steps to prevent further fraudulent gains and to recover sums overpaid.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many special investigators are being employed to seek out cases of fraud by the systematic examination of case loads rather than as a result of particular suspicion of fraud.
§ Mr. RossiAt present, the method of fraud and investigation to which the hon. Member refers is a matter of regional initiative, and the information she requests is not readily available. However, the Department is currently considering a standardised procedure.