§ Mr. Peter Morrisonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, how many prosecutions there were for suspected fraud by those receiving welfare payments in 1977; and what percentage increase this represents over 1976.
§ Mr. DeakinsThe figures for 1977 are not yet available. As my right hon. Friend said in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Sowerby (Mr. Madden) on 7th December 1977—[Vol. 940, c.745–8]—the indications are that the number will be in the region of 25,000 which would be an increase of 30 per cent. on the figure for 1976.