Friend raises an important point. The quality of the letters sent out by the antique computer systems leaves much to be desired. If the Department makes a mistake, it should put its hand up and admit it. Equally, where an individual has made a mistake or, in some cases, has been downright untruthful, that individual has to accept the consequences. I shall explain some of the measures that will help in such cases.
Staff try to behave appropriately, according to the circumstances.
We are implementing a further measure that will make a difference in dealing with fraud. In two years, we shall increasingly pay benefits directly into bank accounts as the normal method of payment. Member for Hitchin and Harpenden would no doubt have jumped up to tell me if I had not pointed it out. That was, of course, another Tory disaster. When one considers their strategy, one is struck by the fact that they do not have one credible policy that would work and deliver savings.