asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 19 July (WA 192), whether the particular areas of concern to the United Kingdom about the Council of Europe convention against trafficking in human beings are shared by any of the member states that have ratified the convention.[HL7156]

To date, 30 states have signed the convention, but only one (Moldova) has ratified it. In July last year, we issued a questionnaire seeking information about the methods of support in place in other European Union (EU) countries irrespective of whether the member state had signed the convention or not. The responses to that questionnaire are still being analysed for evidence on how the automatic granting of reflection periods and residence permits to those presenting as victims of trafficking are operating in other European transit or destination countries.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will sign the European Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings.[HL7373]

The UK is currently considering whether to sign the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Human Trafficking. The Government are examining how the convention’s approach could best be harmonised with effective immigration controls.