§ Mr. Haynesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many firms are being considered for prosecution for breaches of social security regulations by employing people on social security benefits;
(2) how many firms in Ashfield have been investigated for the possible abuse of social security regulations by employing people on social security benefits for the years 1979, 1980 and 1981;
(3) how many firms have been found to be in breach of social security regulations by employing people receiving social benefits for the years 1979, 1980 and 1981;
(4) how many firms have been prosecuted for being in breach of social security regulations by employing people receiving social security benefits for the years 1979, 1980 and 1981.
§ Mr. RossiIt is not in itself an offence to employ a person who is receiving social security but it is an offence knowingly to collude with a fraud. If there is evidence that an employer or other person has, say, aided and abetted a fraud, proceedings will be considered.
Separate records are not kept to show in how many of the investigations into suspected fraud has such connivance been suspected and investigated. There have been no cases in Sutton-in-Ashfield where evidence of aiding and abetting has become available which would be sufficient to justify proceedings against an employer. However, the Department is always ready to consider evidence of social security fraud, including aiding and abetting, which is brought to its attention.