Written question asked by Peter Bone (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 July 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 July 2008. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 17 July 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Human Trafficking: Repatriation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the 167 women and children recovered under Operation Pentameter II have been removed from the UK; and what arrangements have been made for those who have not been removed.

Answer: Under Pentameter 2, 31 victims of trafficking have already returned to their country of origin voluntarily. We are aware that a number of non-EEA nationals initially believed by the police to be victims have been returned to their country of origin using immigration powers. Removal of individuals confirmed to be victims of trafficking would only be sanctioned if it was considered safe and reasonable to do so in accordance with the UK's domestic and international obligations.Adult victims who chose to accept support in the United Kingdom will have been offered a reflection and recovery period of a minimum of 30 days, support and accommodation.Of the 13 children recovered in the operation, nine remain in the care of local authorities and four returned home voluntarily following an assessment concluding that it was safe to do so.

Secondary information