Gangmasters (Licensing Authority) Regulations 2014

Debate between Lord Young of Norwood Green and Duke of Montrose

Wednesday 16th July 2014 Grand Committee

[The Duke of Montrose]

My Lords, perhaps I might come in again. It was very interesting to listen to the noble Lords opposite and hear their concerns. I wonder if we have a clear picture of what the members of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority are required to do. Presumably they have a very great role in drawing up the regulations and looking into the particular circumstances of any industry. By and large, the regulations are fairly clear. The enforcement is laid on those who employ the gangmaster. At the same time, of course, the police and various other bodies can carry out the enforcement. I do not know whether the members of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority are asked to go round and check on what is happening in different circumstances. Particularly if there is a legal case that arises, I suppose that they are required to appear in court. I wonder on how many occasions the members of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority have been asked to appear in court to defend their regulation.

[Lord Young of Norwood Green]

There were two figures that the Minister quoted that I thought were interesting. I missed exactly whether the £1.2 million was the licence fee—I might have got that wrong but she can correct me if so. As interesting was the £4 million compensation that was obtained. I presume that was in circumstances where, for one reason or another, employment rights had been transgressed, whether it was minimum wage or whatever the circumstances were. It would be interesting to have some detail about what that compensation involved.