New Clause 35 - Provision of NHS services to victims of modern slavery

Part of Modern Slavery Bill – in a Public Bill Committee am 4:45 pm ar 14 Hydref 2014.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Karen Bradley Karen Bradley The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department 4:45, 14 Hydref 2014

I hope that I can quickly give my hon. Friend some comfort. The national referral mechanism review is currently considering what support provision  victims of trafficking and slavery should be provided with. I would not wish to pre-empt the recommendations of the review when we are about to receive fuller recommendations on the approach to victim support, including health care. The Department of Health is also looking at whether victims of slavery who have not entered the NRM process can be exempted from charges for NHS services. The NHS is a large organisation, and currently not all front-line workers would be confident in identifying a victim of modern slavery. We are working with the Department of Health to build on existing training and ensure that suitable expertise and processes are in place before making such a large-scale change. I am grateful to her and to my hon. Friend the Member for Enfield, Southgate for tabling and speaking to the new clause, and on the basis of that reassurance, I hope she will feel able to withdraw it.