HC Deb 01 February 1994 vol 236 cc678-9W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many employees were judged to be guilty of fraud in his Department in each year since 1989; and how many were dismissed;

(2) what is his Department's policy for dealing with employees found guilty of fraud.

Mr. Lang

Staff who are involved in fraud are dealt with under departmental disciplinary proceedings. A range of disciplinary penalties is available, including dismissal. Depending on the circumstances of the case criminal proceedings may also be brought against the member of staff concerned.

The number of financial frauds which have been recorded since 1989 are as follows:

Year Number
1989 2
1990 1
1991 5
1992 2
1993 5

Eight of the cases have resulted in dismissal.