HC Deb 20 March 1997 vol 292 cc910-1W
Mr. Nigel Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many calls have been received by the national benefit fraud hotline. [21617]

Mr. Heald

The number of calls to the national benefit fraud hotline up to 20 March 1997 was 195,891.

Mr. Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many calls per day were received by the national benefit fraud hotline in the most recent period for which figures are available. [21618]

Mr. Heald

The national benefit fraud hotline receives, on average, 1,512 calls per day.

Mr. Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the estimated savings to date from action arising from calls to the national benefit fraud hotline. [21619]

Mr. Heald

The national benefit fraud hotline has achieved savings of £23.2 million up to the end of February 1997. There are also further potential savings of £12.3 million from referrals being currently investigated, which shows a potential overall benefit saving in the region of £35.5 million.