Written question asked by Steve Webb (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 14 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 30 October 2002. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 October 2002 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many referrals for suspected benefit fraud were generated by his most recent television advertising campaign; and what proportion of these resulted in (a) a full investigation and (b) successful prosecution or other penalty.

Answer: Mr. Webb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many referrals for suspected benefit fraud were generated by his most recent television advertising campaign; and what proportion of these resulted in (a) a full investigation and (b) successful prosecution or other penalty. [74848] Malcolm Wicks: Referrals come to the Department from many sources and it is not possible to identify separately those generated by the television advertising campaign. The primary objectives of the Targeting Fraud campaign are to positively reinforce honest behaviour, to create a climate of intolerance to benefit fraud and to undermine its social acceptability, rather than specifically to invite fraud referrals. Evaluation shows that public attitudes are moving in a positive direction as a result of the campaign.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 391 c874W;391 c869W; 74848
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Disclosure of information Abuse Fraud Social security benefits Telephone services
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk