Clause 112 - Assisting Unlawful Immigration, &c.
Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill
4:00 pm
Ms Rosie Winterton (Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department; Doncaster Central, Labour)
I shall quickly answer the hon. Gentleman's question on sexual offences. We are dealing with such offences under other legislation. The current legislation deals with inter-country problems, but an assurance has been given that the issue is being looked at. I do not know how many convictions there have been, but I shall attempt to find out.
On the hon. Gentleman's point about the difference between the offences of facilitating and trafficking, it is important that we send a clear message on the offences. The judiciary commented on the issue and its views, with public opinion saying that we must take firm action, made us decide to set such maximum penalties.