Member

However, many individuals entering the national referral mechanism are vulnerable persons who have been subject to traumatic experiences, and I reassure the noble Baroness that, if an item in an investigation was of personal interest and removing it for a prolonged period could have a negative impact on that individual, it would not be in their best interest for the personal item to be retained for longer than required for an investigation. Equally, if documentation is found on a person during a crossing—this goes to the heart of the noble Baroness’s concerns—it is typically removed, photocopied and stored safely. It would be returned to the individual, as it should be, by the appropriate authorities. Where it can be done, we return items to vulnerable people as soon as practical, for the very reasons the noble Baroness has given—for development of their approach through the national referral mechanism and any subsequent claims.