Clause 2 - Electronic access to information
Social Security Fraud Bill [Lords]
9:55 am
Ms Angela Eagle (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department of Social Security; Wallasey, Labour)
The hon. Member for Hexham (Mr. Atkinson) is right to point out the similarities between the debate that would in normal circumstances be triggered by the amendments and the debate that we had earlier in the week. He suggests that he was reassured by the undertaking and clarifications that my right hon. Friend the Minister of State gave the Committee when we considered the equivalent amendments to clause 1. The same applies to the amendments to clause 2, which also deals with providing information, but electronically.
The hon. Gentleman is attempting to introduce gentler language, as he describes it. Although the effect of the amendments, taken together, would be gentler, they would also make the provision of electronic information voluntary for organisations holding it, rather than a requirement, as the Bill provides.
As my right hon. Friend the Minister of State said, we shall not make unreasonable requests or put unreasonable requirements on organisations. Nor shall we expect them to provide electronic information to us if they do not provide it to others or require them to set up electronic databases for our convenience. That is outwith the scope of our intention.
Electronic information gathering is quicker, cheaper and often more efficient for those who provide the information, as well as for us. It is cheaper by a factor of 10 to one, and it is often less burdensome for providers, too. I hope that the hon. Gentleman accepts the assurances that my right hon. Friend the Minister of State gave and, despite having raised the matter, appreciates the point of our requiring electronic information, if it is available, to be given. As we have explained to the Committee, we shall not make unreasonable or overly costly requirements of electronic providers. With those assurances, I hope that he will withdraw the amendment.