§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the budget of the Defence Fraud Analysis Unit for 1999–2000 and what it will be for 2000–01; how many staff are dedicated to the unit; who heads the unit and to whom they report; what relationship the Defence Fraud Analysis Unit has with the Specialist Procurement Services scrutinisation system; and if he will make a statement. [123968]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Defence Fraud Analysis Unit (DFAU) has nine staff, is headed by an Assistant Director and forms part of the Directorate of Internal Audit (DIA). In 1999–2000, when the Directorate was being formed the costs of the unit (including set up costs) totalled £312,000. Expenditure for the current year (2000–01) is likely to be some £375,000.
The DFAU has no direct relationship with the Specialist Procurement Services (SPS). However the DFAU can and does call on the services of the SPS and a range of specialist areas including the Ministry of Defence Police fraud squad, internal audit and other such bodies to assist its work.
The DFAU now acts as the focus for all Ministry of Defence (MOD) fraud matters including the promotion of risk awareness. It works closely with all MOD authorities in adopting a proactive response to fraud risk.
§ Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the targets of the Defence Fraud Analysis Unit for 1999–2000 stating in each case(a) if the target was achieved, (b) the reason for any target not 20W being met and (c) action taken by the Defence Fraud Analysis Unit to improve target achievement performance in 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [123967]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Management of the Defence Fraud Analysis Unit (DFAU) was formed in February 1999 under the Director of Internal Audit (DIA). Targets for the year 1999–2000 included the development of a single fraud reporting point for the department, the creation of an information database, the commencement of a programme of risk awareness presentations, the revision of existing and new guidance on fraud deterrence and detection, the co-ordination of activity with the Ministry of Defence Police Fraud Squad and other related bodies, and the evaluation of suspected cases of fraud or irregularity raised by line management or concerned individuals. All targets were achieved.
DFAU objectives for 2000–01 reflect the continuing development of the unit and new initiatives aimed at improving performance and service. These include regular contributions to MOD and Police publications and a programme of 'no notice' visits to MOD formations and units as part of a pro-active response to fraud risk.
Steps being taken to improve performance in the coining year include investment in staff training and the latest data mining and fraud detection techniques.