Oral Answers to Questions

Anna Turley Excerpts
Monday 2nd July 2018

(5 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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John Bercow Portrait Mr Speaker
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Order. The Minister was extremely clear; there was no chuntering there, that’s for sure.

Anna Turley Portrait Anna Turley (Redcar) (Lab/Co-op)
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T4. Will the Secretary of State inform us whether it is now official DWP policy to scan claimants’ Facebook and other social media pages for evidence of spending patterns such as meals or days out with their family, and to then use that evidence to turn down illness or disability-related benefits? If this is approved DWP policy, will she put the guidance before the House?

Esther McVey Portrait Ms McVey
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I will be honest: I do not believe that that is our policy; we would not do that. However, I have seen fraud investigations when people have said that they are not working or are unable to work, but unfortunately what they have posted on their Facebook page has very much proven that not to be the case.