Written question asked by Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 June 1998. It was answered by Lord Field of Birkenhead (Labour) on Thursday, 25 June 1998 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, what is her estimate of the number of persons who are fraudulently claiming benefits where the national insurance number in use has formerly been used by a person who has left the United Kingdom.

Answer: Mr. Campbell-Savours: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is her estimate of the number of persons who are fraudulently claiming benefits where the national insurance number in use has formerly been used by a person who has left the United Kingdom. [46416] Mr. Field: The Government have not yet estimated the number of persons who are fraudulently claiming benefits where the national insurance number in use has formerly been used by a person who has left the United Kingdom. The Government are taking action to improve the security of the way numbers are issued and maintained. This work is at an early stage, and the initial results will determine the action necessary to tighten up the security of national insurance numbers, including action specifically surrounding the use of numbers formerly used by persons who have left the United Kingdom.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 314 c621-2W; 46416
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Abuse Applications British nationality Fraud National insurance Overseas residence Social security Social security benefits