HL Deb 29 October 1996 vol 575 cc226-7

3.13 p.m.

Lord Campbell of Croy asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to change the present arrangements for the registration and supervision of model agencies.

The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Fraser of Carmyllie)

My Lords, model agencies do not have to be registered by my department but they are regulated under the Employment Agencies Act 1973. We intend to consult shortly on possible revisions to the associated regulations.

Lord Campbell of Croy

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble and learned friend for his reply. In view of a recent deplorable case, are the Government concerned about residential agencies that purport to provide training for teenage girls? Young girls and their parents usually hope that that will open the door to a glamorous and financially rewarding career on the catwalk.

Lord Fraser of Carmyllie

My Lords, the Government were not only concerned about the case to which my noble friend refers; we were appalled by the depraved conduct of the individual concerned. I should make clear that at present agencies are prohibited from making the provisions of employment-finding services to workers conditional upon the use of other services provided by the agent for which fees are charged. I regret to say that Mr. Peter Martin lured girls into his house and systematically sexually abused them. That had nothing to do with training opportunities being provided for them; it was simply sexual abuse.

Lord Jenkins of Putney

My Lords, is the Minister aware that his Government abolished the regulations which governed not only model agencies but all employment and theatrical agencies? They were entirely mistaken in doing that and that case is an example of what happens if we remove all regulations in that sensitive sphere. I am sure that the next government will recognise the need for those regulations to be replaced.

Lord Fraser of Carmyllie

My Lords, Mr. Peter Martin was licensed to run model agencies during the 13 years when he systematically sexually abused young girls. It is correct, as the noble Lord said, that under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act we removed the requirement for licensing. However, it is important to stress that, as it was removed, a power of prohibition on people running that type of agency and others was introduced and the power of prohibition could extend for as long as 10 years.

Lord Peston

My Lords, is the Minister saying that his department does not possess supervisory powers in respect of model agencies? If so, is it not possible for many more such abuses to exist that are not drawn to his attention? I understand that his Answer referred to the fact that this is related to employment regulations rather than concerned with consumer protection for whoever may buy the services of such agencies. If that is right, does he not recognise that it is a serious state of affairs? There may well be more abuse taking place than any of us know about.

Lord Fraser of Carmyllie

My Lords, I did not intend to indicate that the department did not have a supervisory role. I said that following the 1994 Act there was no longer a requirement for an agency to be licensed. The department has a supervisory role and the power exercised at the end of the day is a power of prohibition against those who may be unfit persons to run such agencies. It is also the responsibility of the department to see whether there are appropriate circumstances in which to prosecute the individuals. In both circumstances we seek prohibition orders and also prosecute.