LICENSING for gangmasters should be in place by April, says the Government.

The licenses a direct response to the Morecambe Bay cockling disaster have been discussed in the House of Lords and all key provisions are now in force, junior minister Lord Bach says.

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority has begun work and aims to have a system in place from April 2006.

It will for the first time regulate those who supply workers to agriculture and shellfish businesses.