HC Deb 30 June 1997 vol 297 cc65-6W
28. Mr. Davidson

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals she has to tackle fraud in the benefit system. [4364]

Mr. Denham

We will be vigilant in tackling fraud, ensuring value for taxpayers' money and rebuilding confidence in the Social Security system. A number of measures to help prevent, deter and detect benefit fraud will he brought in over the next few months and we shall consider what additional measures are needed.

29. Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate she has made of the level of benefit fraud in the Social Security system. [4365]

Mr. Denham

The previous administration estimated about £4 billion of benefit fraud in the system of which £1 billion is detected. We shall be looking at the assumptions underpinning these figures, and at new information from an on-going programme of work and benefit reviews, to ensure we have a robust measure of the level of fraud. Our aim is to tackle fraud to ensure value for tax payers' money and to rebuild public confidence in the Social Security system.