§ 15. Mr. Peter Luff (Mid-Worcestershire) (Con)If she will make a statement on her Department's involvement in Operation Gangmaster. [152879]
§ The Minister for Rural Affairs and Local Environmental Quality (Alun Michael)DEFRA staff are involved when required in Operation Gangmaster activities, on which the Department for Work and Pensions takes the lead.
§ Mr. LuffThe Minister will know that there is concern that Operation Gangmaster is not an effective mechanism to deal with the activities of rogue gangmasters. Could he tell the House whether the Government intend to support the Gangmasters 900 (Licensing) Bill, which is due for its Second Reading on Friday 27 February, or do they prefer more effective enforcement of the current regulatory regime? If it is the latter, they must put more effort into doing so.
§ Alun MichaelResults are coming out of the work. For example, the Department for Work and Pensions identified 235 overpayments and 1,023 adjustments to benefit worth £405.000, securing 138 sanctions and prosecutions. Figures show that the Inland Revenue's success in relation to unpaid tax and national insurance is worth £4.3 million. Steps are being taken that are producing results. However, I recognise hon. Members' interest in taking further measures to deal with gangmasters, and we are carefully considering, with colleagues in other Departments, the private Member's Bill to which the hon. Gentleman referred.