Introduction

1. At its meeting on 6 February 2018 the Committee considered the following draft instrument:

   Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015 (Support for Victims) Regulations 2018

2. The instrument was referred to the Justice Committee as lead committee and was subject to the affirmative procedure. Michael Matheson, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, attended the meeting to give evidence on the instrument and also to move the relevant motion recommending approval of the instrument.

3. The Regulations specify a period of 90 days during which, where there are reasonable grounds to believe that an adult is a victim of an offence of human trafficking and exploitation, Scottish Ministers must secure for an adult the provision of such support and assistance as they consider necessary given the adult’s needs.

Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee consideration

4. The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee considered the instrument at its meeting on 23 January 2018 and agreed that it did not need to draw it to the attention of the Parliament on any grounds within its remit.

Justice Committee consideration

5. The Justice Committee considered the instrument at its meeting on 6 February 2018 when it took evidence from Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Justice.ⁱScottish Parliament Justice Committee. Official Report 6 February 2018 Cols 2-3

6. The Cabinet Secretary briefly described the purpose of the instrument. Mr Matheson explained that the Regulations would place support to trafficking victims on a statutory basis, set the period for support at 90 days and specify that victims of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour also have a statutory right to support for the same period.

7. There being no questions from members, Mr Matheson moved the motion in his name:

   S5M-10054-That the Justice Committee recommends to the Parliament that the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015 (Support for Victims) Regulations 2018 [draft] be approved.

8. The motion was agreed to without debate or dissent.