§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the cost to his Department of the benefit fraud investigators who are operating in the Peterlee and Seaham area; and if he will make a statement on their cost-effectiveness.
§ Mr. PortilloThe estimated cost to the Department, in terms of salaries and expenses, of the three benefit fraud investigators currently operating in the Peterlee and Seaham area is of the order of £3,800 per month. I am completely satisfied that these staff fulful their duties in a cost-effective manner.