HC Deb 23 March 1927 vol 204 cc364-5
2. Colonel DAY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of British subjects who have gone to France for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date who have been in possession of a labour contract known as a contrat de travail; and whether an official warning is issued to all British subjects travelling to France who are seeking employment that this is essential?

Sir A. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The labour contract is obtained by the prospective employer in France from the French authorities, and is at no time referred to a Department of His Majesty's Government. As regards the second part of the question, the answer is in the affirmative in so far as concerns persons who apply for a passport. In the case of persons already in possession of a passport there is no means of ensuring that they are aware of the regulations. With the view, however, of giving the widest possible publicity to the requirements of the French regulations, several notices have been issued to the Press in addition to information given in this House.

Colonel DAY

Could the right hon. Gentleman say how long these contracts arc available?

Sir A CHAMBERLAIN

I could not say without notice, but I am not sure that it is given.