§ 75. Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Home Secretary how many persons of Russian nationality have been granted permits to reside in Great Britain in order to carry on duties in connection with the Russian Oil Products Company; whether the number of such Russians has increased or decreased during the last 12 months; and whether he is satisfied that the duties performed by these individuals cannot be discharged by British subjects?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSDuring the 12 months ending 30th November of this year facilities were granted to one Soviet citizen to come to this country to join the Russian Oil Products Company and during the preceding 12 months facilities were granted to two Soviet citizens for the same purpose. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the Empire safe then?
§ 76. Lieut.-Colonel JAMESasked the Home Secretary the number of aliens, other than Russians, to whom permits have been given to reside in Great Britain in order to carry on duties in connection with the oil industry; can he inform the House as to the conditions on which these permits are granted; and whether, in the event of persons of British birth being able to perform these duties with equal efficiency, such permits are, in the main, withheld?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSTo take about two years as in my previous answer, 1023 I am informed that during 1927 and 1928 21 aliens other than Russians have been allowed to take work with oil companies here, generally for a short period of training before going abroad. Care is always taken to see that the work could not equally well be performed by a British subject.