HC Deb 01 February 1994 vol 236 c603W
Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many employees were judged to be guilty of fraud in her Department in each year since 1989; and how many were dismissed.

Mr. Sackville

Prior to March 1991, the Department of Social Security was responsible for action on staff discipline for the Department of Health. It will be providing information for 1989 to March 1991.

The following information gives the number of Department of Health staff judged to be guilty of obtaining money by making false representations since March 1991: In 1991, three staff were judged guilty of fraud and two were dismissed. The third was given a severe reprimand. In 1992, one member of staff was given an oral warning and another was downgraded. In 1993, four staff were dismissed. In 1991 and 1992, those not dismissed were guilty of minor offences.

The penalty imposed depends on the severity of the offence, the member of staff's length of service and previous conduct. In cases of fraud involving significant amounts of money, dismissal is automatic.

Mr. Menzies Campbell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her Department's policy for dealing with employees found guilty of fraud.

Mr. Sackville

All civil servants are subject to strict rules of conduct and are expected at all times to maintain high levels of integrity. Any member of the Department of Health's staff found guilty of obtaining money or goods by making false representations would be subject to disciplinary penalties which range from a written warning to dismissal. All cases of fraud involving significant amounts of money would result in dismissal.

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