§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what additional security measures are planned by his Department to deter and detect theft and fraud. [31798]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Ministry of Defence has in place a range of measures to deter and detect fraud and theft. Through our internal fraud policy, and response plan, it is made clear to line managers, at all levels, that dishonest behaviour will not be tolerated and that all suspicions will be investigated, many of them by the MOD Police or Service Police Authorities. Where suspected perpetrators can be identified, appropriate criminal or internal disciplinary action will be taken. Staff are encouraged to report suspicions and are also aware that the MOD has in place long established controls such as separation of duties, spot checks and physical security.
Additional measures introduced over recent years include the creation of the Defence Fraud Analysis Unit, which is responsible for overseeing fraud policy, maintaining data, promoting fraud awareness and encouraging a proactive response to fraud, including the use of private sector consultants and specialists in the fields of quantity surveying and data mining.