To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of benefit fraud he estimates to be due to identity fraud, broken down by benefit; and if he will make a statement. (116589)

Identity-related benefit fraud represents between 3 and 6 per cent. of total fraud.

We are not able to provide a breakdown by benefit but the evidence suggests that identity-related benefit fraud is concentrated mainly in the income-related benefits.

Where identity fraud is discovered, we take strong action. So far, in 2006-07, we have undertaken 315 successful prosecutions.

We intend to go further, and will take advantage of the opportunities from biometric development and other cross-government initiatives as they become available.