Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Bill Esterson and Baroness Featherstone

Monday 12th December 2011 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for Equalities (Lynne Featherstone)]

We have published the new missing children and adults strategy, which has three important provisions. The first of these is prevention and reducing the number of people who go missing in the first place. The second is protection and reducing the harm to those who do go missing. The third is provision—providing support and advice to missing persons and their families by referring them promptly to agencies and ensuring that they understand how and where to access help.

[Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab)]

Merseyside police have been very successful in cutting metal theft in my constituency, particularly by working with reputable traders. They deserve congratulations on their approach. Will the Home Secretary help the police across the country and back Labour’s four-point plan, including tougher police powers to close down rogue traders?