§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her answer of 9 July 1997,Official Report, columns 516–17, concerning the face-to-face interviews being conducted as part of the Benefit Integrity Project, what further estimate her Department has made of the cost of (a) the face-to-face interview and (b) postal questionnaire aspects of the project. [32800]
§ Mr. DenhamThe administration of the Benefit Integrity Project is a matter for Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Burstow, dated 3 March 1998:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked Peter Mathison to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking pursuant to her Answer of 9 July 1997, Official Report, columns 516–17, concerning face to face interviews being conducted as part of the Benefit Integrity Project (BIP), what further estimate her department has made of the cost of (a) the face to face interview and (b) postal questionnaire aspects of the project. As Mr. Mathison is away from the office on leave, I am replying.The cost of a face to face interview is variable and depends on the distance travelled and the length of the interview. The most recent estimate suggests that the average cost is £73. The cost of dealing with a postal questionnaire is included in the whole BIP process and it is not possible to provide an estimate of the cost of this particular activity. However, it is expected to cost significantly less obtaining a completed questionnaire by post than by obtaining one on a visit.I hope you find this reply helpful.