§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps she has taken in reported cases of(a) doctors, (b) opticians and (c) pharmacists who have defrauded the National Health Service; and if such incidents are reported to their professional bodies. [55532]
§ Mr. McFallGeneral medical, dental and ophthalmic practitioners and community pharmacists are independent contractors, whose contracts for services are with their respective NI Health and Social Services Board. Consequently, where cases of suspected fraud are detected, the responsibility for having these investigated lies with the HSS Boards. Following internal investigations, individual cases, where appropriate, are 911W referred to the police. In addition, each case is also considered for referral to the appropriate professional body.
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cases of possible fraud have been identified in boards or agencies of the DHSS since 1995; and what steps were taken to investigate them. [55576]
§ Mr. McFallThe following table provides the information requested in relation to Health and Social Services bodies.
No cases of possible fraud have been identified in respect of the Child Support Agency or the Health and Social Services Estates Agency.
In the Social Security Agency (SSA) 8 cases of internal fraud have been identified since 1995 in relation to the administration of social security benefits. When internal fraud is suspected, a formal investigation is carried out in accordance with set procedures and under the direction of an Agency Director.
As far as external fraud is concerned, a total of 43,581 cases of possible benefit fraud were identified in the Social Security agency for the tax years from 1995 to 30 September 1998.
The Agency investigates all allegations of benefit fraud. Investigations are carried out by fraud officials and where evidence of fraud is found prosecution of offenders is considered.
HSS bodies Year Total number of cases Number of cases confirmed as erroneous Action taken 1995 1 — Officer dismissed 1996 2 — 1 No further action possible. Individual responsible not traced 1 Police investigation handled nationally 1997 6 1 2 Currently at court 1 Disciplinary Hearing—officer resigned 1 No criminal offence—referred to Disciplinary Committee 1 Under police investigation 1998 9 1 4 under police investigation—one of which referred to General Medical Council 3 under internal investigation— one of which referred to Disciplinary Committee 1 Officer dismissed
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if she will make a statement on the report "Controls to Prevent and Detect Fraud in Family Practitioner Service Payments". [55578]
§ Mr. McFallI welcome the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General "Controls to Prevent and Detect Fraud in Family Practitioner Service Payments". The912W report has been laid before Parliament and may be considered by the Public Accounts Committee. Parliamentary convention precludes me from commenting on the specific detail of a Northern Ireland Audit Office report at this stage.
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cases of possible fraud have been identified in agencies of the DED since 1995; and what steps were taken to investigate them. [55577]
§ Mr. IngramThe information requested is as follows:
- 1995–96: nil
- 1996–97: 2
- 1997–98: nil
- 1998–99: (to date) nil.