Written question asked by Anthony Steen (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 March 2010. It was answered by Claire Ward (Labour) on Monday, 29 March 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Human Trafficking

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the (a) 94 individuals accommodated by a local authority whilst awaiting their reasonable grounds decision and (b) 61 individuals accommodated by a local authority for at least part of their 45 day reflection period between 1 April 2009 and 31 December 2009 were adults.

Answer: I have been asked to reply.Records as at 31 December 2009 show that between 1 April and 31 December 2009:"(a) three adults referred to the National Referral Mechanism identification process for victims of human trafficking were accommodated by local authorities while awaiting their reasonable grounds decision.""(b) no adults were accommodated by local authorities during their reflection periods."We have invested £3.9 million over the current and next financial year into the provision of specialist accommodation and support for adult victims of human trafficking.Responsibility for the care, protection and accommodation of child trafficking victims falls within the designated responsibilities of local authorities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children under the provisions of the 1989 and 2004 Children Acts.

Secondary information