To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what inquiries to detect fraud by cross-checking his Department's payroll with details of those claiming benefit he has undertaken; when these exercises took place; and how many staff were (a) suspended, (b) dismissed and (c) prosecuted as a result. [37702]

The Department responds to inquiries made by the Benefits Agency on the basis of its belief that there are reasonable grounds for suspicion that an individual may be involved in benefit fraud.In the past five years, one member of staff has been dismissed following conviction for benefit fraud.