asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why no action was taken against a man in Aberdare who drew £48 a week in social security while making £200 a week working as a plasterer at the home of an official of his Department; and whether, even though not prosecuted, the man was required to pay back the amount drawn in social security at the time he was working; and if he will make a statement.
The man involved has a history of benefit offences and had previously twice been convicted on such charges. During the course of my Department's investigation into a third offence of working whilst drawing benefit, he was interviewed under caution; when that interview had been completed, he disclosed that he had earlier also been doing the plastering job mentioned. It was decided not to delay the third prosecution— on which a conviction was duly obtained— in order to follow up this belated information since it was not considered that a further charge would lead the court to any different view of the offence, after taking account of the man's record.It is not necessary to get a court order to recover sums improperly obtained from the Department. Normal recovery action will be taken in respect of all moneys paid to this man to which he was not entitled.