To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the projected savings from the passing of the Jobseekers Bill; and if he will make a statement. [20122]

The direct benefit savings are projected to be around £270 million in a full year. However, that figure takes no account of success in getting people back to work earlier.

Does my hon. Friend agree that, apart from the financial considerations, there is also a moral aspect? Does not the taxpayer need to be protected from those who are not genuinely seeking work, and is that not precisely what the Bill will achieve?

Yes. The provisions for a jobseeker's agreement and direction are focused on that specific problem.