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Proceeding contribution from Anthony Steen (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 17 March 2010. It occurred during Adjournment debate on Migrant Domestic Workers (Visas).


Migrant Domestic Workers (Visas)

May I thank the hon. Gentleman for his offer? I am most touched. The problem can be dealt with. It is a problem that we do not see because it is all underground. There are more people today in domestic and human slavery than there ever were in the 350 years of the African slave trade. That is the scale of it. However, it is not seen because it is all submerged, whereas the African slave trade could be seen: it was a visible thing. We are talking about domestic slavery—it is actually slavery—although Wilberforce and this place were supposed to have abolished it. The Minister, whom we hold in great affection, must not be allowed to drag his feet. We must deal with this matter. He cannot blame the Foreign Office or anybody else. He must take the problem by the short and curlies and solve it. I am most grateful to you, Mr. Benton, for your chairmanship this morning.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
507 c263-4WH 
Session
2009-10
Chamber / Committee
Westminster Hall
Subjects
Conditions of employment Abuse Diplomatic service Human trafficking Domestic service Migrant workers Visas Work permits
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk