Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19 Related Contracts Awarded by DHSC: Potential Fraud Losses

Thursday 7 July 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions with the Serious Fraud Office regarding potential fraud losses from covid-19 related contracts have not resulted in prosecutions.
  • Neale Hanvey questioned the secrecy surrounding VIP lane contracts, citing it as a loss of trust and transparency.
  • The Attorney General stated that a lot of covid-related litigation has gone through UK courts, with the Government's decisions generally upheld.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neale Hanvey
Justice & Courts
Context

No prosecutions have occurred regarding frauds connected to covid-19 contracts awarded by the Department of Health and Social Care. The question arises from concerns over potential fraud levels and the government's response.

Question

What recent discussions she has had with the Serious Fraud Office on the potential level of fraud losses arising from covid-19 related contracts awarded by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Answer from Suella Braverman

There have been no prosecutions by either the Serious Fraud Office or the Crown Prosecution Service of frauds connected to covid-19 contracts awarded by the Department of Health and Social Care. However, I can neither confirm nor deny whether the Serious Fraud Office is investigating any frauds relating to those contracts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked for details about discussions with the Serious Fraud Office but received a non-committal response that avoids confirming or denying investigations.

How: Neither Confirm Nor Deny

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Q2 Neale Hanvey
Standards & Ethics
Context

The MP criticises a lack of transparency and trust due to secrecy surrounding VIP lane contracts. Conservative members have recently emphasised the importance of integrity and honesty.

Question

The secrecy on VIP lane contracts is emblematic of the loss of trust and transparency in this Government. Over the last 48 hours, Conservative Members have repeatedly stated the importance of integrity and honesty. As Prime Minister, will the Attorney General finally lift the veil of secrecy, publish the full details of VIP lane contacts and refer the matter to a committee or authorities, as necessary?

Answer from Suella Braverman

A lot of covid-related litigation has gone through our courts, and there has been a lot of scrutiny of the Government's decision making and actions during the pandemic. I am pleased to say that the Government were successful in the majority of cases, with our decision making being upheld and found to be lawful.

Not addressed: The MP asked for publication of details and referral to authorities but received a response about court scrutiny of decisions without addressing transparency or action regarding VIP lane contracts.

How: Change Of Subject

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