§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many prosecutions there have been for social security fraud in the most recent six-month period for which figures are available and the previous five comparable six-month periods.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe investigation of social security fraud is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from M. Bichard to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 14 January 1993:
As Chief Executive to the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the number of prosecutions that there have been for Social Security fraud in the most recent six month period for which figures are available and the previous five comparable six month periods.The number of prosecutions conducted by, or on behalf of, the Benefits Agency in the six month period 1.4.92–30.9.92 was 2,047. Prior to April 1992 statistics were kept based on the number of prosecutions that had been authorised, not those actually prosecuted. These figures were:—
Total October 1991 to March 1992 2,069 April 1991 to September 1991 2,286 Before April 1991 these figures are only available on an annual total of the cases authorised, namely:—
Total 1990–91 7,911 1989–90 8,671 I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report. A copy will also be placed in the Library.