§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the level of fraud and irregularities reported by the United Kingdom in 1998 under Regulations 1681/94 and 1831/94, set out in Official Journal C350, 3 December 1999, page 97, with reference to the increase in sums involved. [105670]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThe increase in the level of Structural Funds fraud and irregularities reported by the United Kingdom in 1998 is primarily the result of specific efforts to improve detection and reporting systems during this period, and the detection of two substantial fraud cases.
It is essential that Structural Fund moneys are spent properly and efficiently, and that frauds and irregularities are detected and dealt with appropriately. We are continuing to improve financial control and management systems towards this end.