§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what evidence he has collated on the impact of the Targeting Fraud advertising campaign on the number of people reported for benefit fraud; and if he will make a statement. [159698]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 1 May 2001]: After years of neglect, we have put in place an effective strategy for tackling benefit fraud. As part of this, the Targeting Fraud advertising campaign is intended to change public attitudes in the longer-term by positively reinforcing honest behaviour, creating a climate of intolerance to 789W benefit fraud and undermining its social acceptability. It is not intended specifically to increase the number of people reported for benefit fraud.
An evaluation of the national Targeting Fraud campaign is being conducted and will be published in due course. A report on the pilot stage of the campaign showed that it was successful in changing public attitudes towards benefit fraud.
§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to use the information collected through the current census to help reduce the incidence of benefit fraud. [159702]
§ Mr. Rooker[holding answer 1 May 2001]: None. Confidentiality of the census is key to its success. The census produces only statistics and people can be assured that no information is released which allows identification of individuals or households.