Written question asked by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Monday, 27 February 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 February 2012. It was answered by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Monday, 16 April 2012 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Emma Harrison

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what role he played in the appointment of Emma Harrison as the Government's adviser on troubled families.

Answer: The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green (Mr Duncan Smith), was made aware in advance of the Prime Minister's announcement and was advised that there was no conflict of interest with Emma Harrison's role in A4e. At this stage Ministers had not been informed of any allegations of fraud that led to the current investigation.Emma Harrison had no formal role in advising Government. Emma Harrison's involvement in the workless families' initiative was on a purely personal and voluntary basis.

Secondary information