§ Mr. GapesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants have had their benefit stopped for investigations; and how many were subsequently reinstated in each year since 1987.
§ Mr. HagueThe administration of benefit fraud is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. I understand that he has written to the hon. Member about this matter.
Letter from Mr. M. Bichard to Mr. Mike Gapes, dated 12 August 1993:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking, how many claimants have had their benefit stopped for investigations; and how many were subsequently reinstated in each year since 1987.I regret that on this particular occasion I am unable to answer your question as the Sector Fraud organisation does not record information in this way.I am able to say, however, that it is not general practice to "stop" a customer's benefit until it is certain that it is correct to do so. The decision to withdraw benefit has to be made by an Adjudication Officer and, as such, is not within the remit of any officer connected with the investigation of alleged fraud.I must also point out that only a very small percentage of the Benefit Agency's customers will ever have any dealings with a member of the Sector Fraud organisation as the vast majority of customers are honest and trustworthy.I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report and a copy will also be placed in the Library.