§ 25. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Minister of Labour how many permits were issued for the immigration of aliens to employment in this country during 1924, 1925 and 1926, including permits granted for re-entry and extended sojourn?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer to a similar question by him which was printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT yesterday. When a permit is granted to enable an alien to re-enter the country, it is counted as a new permit issued. No record is kept of the cases in which a permit is issued for a limited period and the period is subsequently extended.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESOn a point of Order. I addressed a written question on this subject to the right hon. Gentleman about a fortnight ago asking for a written reply on 4th April. Not having received an answer, I put down an oral question for answer yesterday, and not until yesterday did I receive the written reply. In those circumstances, may I ask whether I can have a full reply orally to-day?
§ Mr. SPEAKERif it was given to the House yesterday, that would be vain repetition.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESArising out of the Minister's reply, may I ask if he is aware that more than 15,000 aliens have been admitted to this country within the last three years, and that the number is increasing year by year; and will he take some steps to reduce the number of aliens who are coming in and who take employment which might equally well be given to our own people?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI will consult with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary as to whether there is any point which needs further investigation.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODI ask the Minister whether he will observe the new Liberalism?
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIs not the responsibility the Minister's of seeing that none of these aliens can come in without a written permit from him?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDThe responsibility in certain cases is mine, and in certain cases it belongs to my right hon. Friend. Therefore, we have to settle the matter between us.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD-BURYWhy not amalgamate the two Departments?