§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Prime Minister why the Department of Social Security uses a multiplier different from that used by the Department of Employment to calculate weekly benefit savings; what multipliers are used; what consideration has been given to alternative multipliers; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe multiplier used by the Department of Social Security in calculating benefit savings is 32 and is based on a study by the Department's operational research services, a copy of whose report was placed in the Library on 12 June 1985.
The Department of Employment uses a multiplier of 22. The difference reflects the type of fraud involved and varying methods of investigation. The Department of Employment's multiplier is being further considered by a study involving that Department's research and evaluation branch.