Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lisa Nandy and Lord Garnier

Tuesday 18th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab)]

6. What recent representations he has received on the effectiveness of prosecutions in human trafficking cases.

[The Solicitor-General (Mr Edward Garnier)]

We have not received any.

[Lisa Nandy]

Is the Solicitor-General aware that many solicitors still face many problems taking instructions from child victims of trafficking who wrongly believe that their trafficker is their friend? If the Government are serious about ensuring that there are more prosecutions for this heinous crime, why will they not ensure that every child who undergoes the gruelling, awful court process is afforded a guardian to represent his or her best interests?

[The Solicitor-General]

I am grateful to the hon. Lady for drawing my attention to the fact that someone of that nature is not available. I had hoped that that was the case. I will make some inquiries of the Crown Prosecution Service to establish what assistance of that sort can be given, but it is fair to point out that the courts and the Crown Prosecution Service already bend over backwards to ensure that vulnerable witnesses, be they children or vulnerable adults, are afforded every possible protection so that they can give their evidence. Without the evidence, we cannot have the convictions.