HC Deb 09 June 1988 vol 134 c671W
Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how much was spent by his Department to recover illegally claimed benefits in each year since 1979, in cash and real terms, at 1987–88 prices.

Mr. Portillo

I regret that the information requested is not available.

Mr. McAllion

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give his estimate of(a) the amount recovered and (b) the amount illegally claimed but not recovered from social security claimants for each year since 1979, in cash terms and at 1987–88 prices.

Mr. Portillo

Information on which to base an estimate is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.