Written question asked by Tom Cox (Labour) on Friday, 22 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 16 November 2004. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 November 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what action is being taken by (a) his Department, (b) the police authorities and (c) immigration officials to seek to prevent women from overseas countries seeking residency in the United Kingdom to become self-employed prostitutes; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Tom Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action is being taken by (a) his Department, (b) the police authorities and (c) immigration officials to seek to prevent women from overseas countries seeking residency in the United Kingdom to become self-employed prostitutes; and if he will make a statement. [193470] Caroline Flint: The immigration rules do not allow residency in this country on the basis of self employment as a prostitute. We also have strong measures in place to tackle those looking to come into the country illegally. Organised immigration crime is being addressed by Reflex, a multi- agency taskforce involving the police and immigration service and led by the National Crime Squad. Last year (April 2003-04) Reflex resulted in the disruption of 38 criminal gangs involved in organised immigration crime. In July this year the Home Office published "Paying the Price: a consultation paper on prostitution". Part of this consultation exercise focuses on the legal framework relating to prostitution. The consultation period runs until the 26 November.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 426 c1450W;426 c1454W; 193470
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Immigration Undocumented migrants Migrants Organised crime Prostitution Self-employed
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk