§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of the total number of claimants for social security benefits were investigated for possible fraud, abuse or overpayment in 1972, 1973 and 1974; and what percentage of the total number of claimants had their allowances withdrawn or reduced.
§ Mr. O'MalleyNo figures are kept of the total number of investigations of suspected fraud. A comparison of the total number of cases of discovered fraud with the total number of claimants for social security benefits would be misleading, since the incidence of discovered fraud varies greatly between one type of benefit and another. Not all cases of discovered fraud are analysed by type of benefit, but the available information for the years quoted by the hon. Member is as follows:
§ Mr. O'MalleyOn the assumptions given a married man with two children aged three and eight earning £30 a week gross would have net weekly spending power of £29.09. If his earnings were increased to £36 a week his net weekly spending power would theoretically be increased to £29.47, an increase of 38 pence. This is on the assumption that all benefits were adjusted instantaneously, though in practice this would not happen. 577W Family income supplement, free school meals and free welfare milk are awarded for periods of 12 months, during which period the income limits for benefits will be increased. For these reasons the answer given is correct only on the assumptions given and would be highly misleading if quoted out of context.
Note: Working expenses 75p.