Written question asked by Lord Hammond of Runnymede (Conservative) on Friday, 14 November 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 November 2008. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Monday, 24 November 2008 on behalf of the Treasury.

Revenue and Customs: Fraud

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff at (a) HM Revenue and Customs and (b) the Valuation Office Agency have been investigated for alleged fraud in 2008.

Answer: HM Revenue and Customs employs over 80,000 staff.From 1 April 2008 to date, there have been 27 investigations into suspected fraudulent activity by HMRC staff. The investigations are for such activity as failing to declare a criminal conviction ranging to fraudulent claims to repayments.The number of Valuation Office Agency staff investigated for alleged fraud in 2008 is less than five. The exact number cannot be disclosed on grounds of confidentiality.

Secondary information