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Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench) on Monday, 6 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 July 2026. It was answered by Lord Hanson of Flint (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Shipping: Forced Labour

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the merits of publishing detailed shipping manifest data, as opposed to the aggregated customs data HMRC currently releases, so that instances of forced labour in supply chains could be more readily identified and addressed; and what plans they have, if any, to begin such publication.

Answer

The Home Office receives shipping manifest data from parts of the maritime sector. However, coverage is not universal, and the use of such data is governed by legal and operational requirements.

The Government recognises the importance of tackling forced labour in supply chains. However, shipping manifest data may contain personal information protected under data protection legislation, as well as commercially sensitive information. There are currently no plans to publish detailed shipping manifest data.

Home Office does not routinely assess whether goods entering the UK may have been produced using forced labour. However, Home Office works closely with law enforcement and other government partners to share intelligence and support compliance activity where relevant information is identified.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1647
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Forced labour Shipping Supply chains
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk