HL Deb 05 February 2002 vol 631 cc81-2WA
Lord Alton

of Liverpool asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answers by Lord Rooker on 17 December (WA 3–4) and 9 January (WA 113), whether they intend to incorporate the definition of trafficking from the Trafficking Protocol to the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime when introducing legislation to combat the trafficking of human beings. [HL2528]

Lord Rooker

By signing the UN protocol on the prevention and suppression of trafficking and negotiating the EU framework decision on trafficking, we are committed to introducing legislation to combat the trafficking of human beings consistent with the terms of the UN protocol. We are also committed to implementing its measure in relation to enforcement and support for victims.

Lord Alton

of Liverpool asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer about Project Reflex by Lord Rooker on 9 January (WA 115), whether they will distinguish how many of the arrests and convictions cited relate to smuggling and how many relate to trafficking in the light of the definition of trafficking in the Trafficking Protocol to the United Nations Convention on Transnational Organised Crime. [HL2527]

Lord Rooker

All the arrests and convictions referred to in the Written Answer (WA 115) have related to people smuggling, also referred to as the facilitation of illegal entry.

However, Reflex is conducting a number of investigations into trafficking, and in particular the trafficking of women, which are still ongoing or awaiting trials. The international and complex nature of investigations means that they can take many months to complete.

The establishment under Project Reflex or a dedicated joint unit made up of National Crime Squad and Immigration Service personnel will deliver a further enhanced operational response to organised immigration crime, in particular people trafficking.