HC Deb 19 October 1995 vol 264 cc350-1W
Dr. David Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what actions he has undertaken to reduce fraud in his Department. [37889]

Mr. Arbuthnot

I refer the hon. Member to the answer he was given by the Minister of State for the Armed Forces on 28 February 1995,Official Report, column 516. Since then the Ministry's code of procurement ethics has been widely disseminated.

Dr. Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the private sector concerning methods to reduce fraud within his Department. [37890]

Mr. Arbuthnot

The Ministry of Defence fraud unit has had a range of contacts on fraud prevention with outside bodies including the unit for the study of white collar crime at Liverpool John Moore's university. On 20 January 1994 a contract was let to Control Risks Group to carry out a fraud risk assessment of the royal naval hospital, Haslar and to provide a methodology for use elsewhere. Its report was delivered on 18 March 1994.

Dr. Clark

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to further proposals which will eliminate fraud within his Department. [37898]

Mr. Arbuthnot

Measures already taken can be expected to have a developing impact. They will be reinforced as and when feasible and cost-effective.