To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what protocol is used by the police for dealing with people who are identified as having been trafficked. (241133)

We have in place existing collaborative ways of identifying, referring and supporting victims whereby the police can seek advice from the specialist United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre in the identification of victims. Forces are also advised as to the appropriate support services available for those who are identified as victims.

On 17 December 2008 we ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. By April 2009 at the latest we will introduce a reflection period of 45 days and a renewable one year residence permit for identified victims of human trafficking. Additionally, we are introducing formal identification measures under a National Referral Mechanism by which victims are systematically identified by a Competent Authority and referred to appropriate support.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research her Department has commissioned on the links between migration and human trafficking. (244772)

The links between migration and human trafficking form a central part of the work undertaken by the Serious Organised Crime Agency as part of its work to produce the annual UK Threat Assessment. This work is underpinned through two SOCA programmes of activity that focus on organised immigration crime.

Within this framework SOCA works closely with both international and domestic partners including the UK Human Trafficking Centre.