HC Deb 02 February 2004 vol 417 cc674-5W
Mr. Webb

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff in his Department have been(a) investigated, (b) suspended, (c) dismissed, (d) prosecuted and (e) convicted for involvement in benefit fraud in each of the last six years; and what the amounts involved were in each of the categories listed. [151460]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

As far as the Department is aware no staff in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have been investigated, suspended or dismissed for benefit fraud in the last six years. Under Diplomatic and Home Service Regulations, all staff are obliged to tell the Department if they are charged with any criminal offence. According to departmental records, none have been prosecuted or convicted for benefit fraud in the last six years.