asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will go beyond the recent statement of regret made by the Prime Minister for the country's involvement in the slave trade prior to the abolition of the slave trade in 1807. [HL1121]

In addition to the Statement made by my right honourable friend the Prime Minister on 28 November 2006 (Official Report, col. WS 103-4), my right honourable friend the Prime Minister announced on 22 January 2007 the Government's intention to sign the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. Signature of the convention will strengthen support for victims and introduce measures to prevent trafficking. He also announced a series of events over the coming months to commemorate the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade.