Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Jim Sheridan (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 10 October 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Asylum Seekers

Question: I thank my hon. Friend for that response. He will be aware that the Gangmasters (Licensing) Act 2004 was set up to protect asylum seekers or any other migrant worker from exploitation by unscrupulous employers, but I am concerned by reports reaching me of civil service interference with the smooth operation of the Act. Will he therefore assure the House that the Government will continue to support the Act in order to protect vulnerable workers, that the same level of resources will continue to be made available, and that any interference with or dilution of the Act will be brought before this House?

Answer: I can certainly give my hon. Friend that assurance. He knows that all the Act's key provisions are now in force and that regulations establishing the Gangmasters Licensing Authority were made in March. The authority will drive out illegal employment practices by agricultural labour providers. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs consulted on the draft exclusions regulations in February and on the appeals regulations in March. The authority commenced work on 1 April and is preparing a consultation paper on licensing standards. Both DEFRA and the authority are working to ensure that licensing can be introduced from April 2006. None the less, I hear my hon. Friend's comments with concern and I shall ensure that we do what we set out to do through his Act.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 437 c15
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Related items: Asylum Seekers
Monday, 10 October 2005
Oral questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Employment Undocumented migrants Asylum Gangmasters