Written question asked by Lord Willetts (Conservative) on Thursday, 29 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 July 2000. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 July 2000 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, if he will list the anti-fraud measures introduced by the National Intelligence Unit.

Answer: Mr. Willetts: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the anti-fraud measures introduced by the National Intelligence Unit. [128933] Mr. Rooker: The new national benefits intelligence unit will co-ordinate and extend intelligence on Social Security fraud, aiding both prevention and detection. This builds on intelligence work already being carried out. It will crack down on benefit fraud and draw on the expertise of fraud investigators in the Department, as well as intelligence from local authorities and other agencies. This will contribute to a significant strengthening of our defences against benefit fraud and our ability to tackle it where it occurs. We have just appointed Mr. John Alpass as head of fraud intelligence, and he is expected to take up post from early September.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 128933; 353 c219W;353 c217W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Abuse Fraud Public appointments Social security benefits National Benefits Intelligence Unit
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk