§ Norman LambTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many cases of benefit fraud have been identified by Inland Revenue payroll cleanse operations in each of the last five years; how many of these were referred to the Department for Work and Pensions; and if he will make a statement. [153289]
§ Dawn PrimaroloWhen the Inland Revenue Payroll Cleanse Unit identifies potential benefit fraud cases they refer them all to the Department for Work and Pensions for their action. The numbers of potential fraud cases referred over the last five years are as follows:
Number 1999–2000 21,151 2000–01 19,297 2001–02 7,102 2002–03 11,336 2003 to 31 January 2004 11,486