HC Deb 14 February 1924 vol 169 cc995-6
42. Mr. LORIMER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department how many aliens have been furnished with a permit to enter the service of a British employer since the Armistice?

Mr. DAVIES

The available statistics do not go further back than 1921, the first year after the War, for which they could be got into proper form. During the years 1921, 1922 and 1923 and the first month of the present year, the total numbers of aliens admitted to this country on the strength of permits for employment issued by the Ministry of Labour are 3,541 men and 4,121 women. Of the women, an undetermined proportion are wives accompanying men to whom permits have been issued.

Mr. LORIMER

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of the hotels in London are largely staffed by aliens, and that at the same time there are Britishers out of employment, while these aliens are given work?

Mr. LANSBURY

Who employs them?

Mr. McENTEE

Before the Minister replies, will he take the trouble to find out who are the proprietors of these hotels, and who are their patrons?

Mr. HARMSWORTH

Will the hon. Member and his Government take powers to prevent the entrance of so many aliens into this country?

Mr. SPEAKER

I do not see how these questions arise out of the question on the Paper, which simply asks for certain information. Other questions must be put down on the Paper.