§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the implications for(a) patterns and (b) levels of crime of the phased withdrawal of payable order books for payment of social security benefits, with particular reference to sources of finance for the purchase of illegal drugs. [84401]
§ Mr. Bob Ainsworth[holding answer 2 December 2002]: The Home Office has not made any assessment of the implications for patterns and levels of crime associated with this proposal. I understand that the Department for Work and Pensions monitors claims activity to inform counter-fraud activity and will look for any changes in patterns of behaviour during the rollout to direct payment.