asked the Secretary of State for Social Services which staff vacancies have been filled or approved for filling and which staff vacancies have been frozen and for how long in the Camden and Islington area health authority and in the North Camden, South Camden and Islington districts.

The information requested is not held centrally. The hon. is involved in the latter case; and whether he will make a statement.

The number of prosecutions and convictions for social security fraud or attempted fraud for the five years to 1978–79 are shown below. The conviction rate was 98 per cent. each year. Information about the amounts of money involved in these frauds is not available. It is not the policy of the Supplementary Benefits Commission to pay fines out of public funds.A statement on social security fraud and abuse will be made in the near future.Member may wish to seek details on staff vacancies direct from the area health authority.