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 claiming benefits on behalf of other persons who are unaware of benefits being claimed in their name.

Answer: Mr. Campbell-Savours: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is her estimate of the number of persons who are claiming benefits on behalf of other persons who are unaware of benefits being claimed in their name. [46418] Mr. Field: The Government do not yet have an estimate of the number of persons who are claiming benefits on behalf of other persons who are unaware of benefits being claimed in their name. 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 persons claiming benefits on behalf of other persons who are unaware of benefits claimed in their name.

Secondary information