Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Monday, 7 July 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 July 2008. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 July 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Human Trafficking: Children

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the children found as a result of Operation Pentameter II have (a) been provided with safe house accommodation and (b) gone missing since being rescued.

Answer: It is the statutory responsibility of local authorities to assess the needs of all separated children at risk of harm and in need of accommodation. It is their responsibility to provide suitable accommodation, following this assessment, ensuring that they are safeguarded and their welfare promoted under the provisions of the Children Act 1989.We understand from the police that Operation Pentameter 2 identified 16 children, 13 of whom had been trafficked for sexual exploitation and three for forced labour.All were appropriately referred to local authorities. We understand from the police that one has absconded.

Secondary information