§ 8. Major BEAUMONT THOMASasked the Minister of Labour whether her attention has been drawn to the large increase in permits to enter this country issued to aliens during the year 1930; and if she will take steps to prevent any alien entering this country to take employment which could be carried out by a person of British nationality?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI am aware of this increase. It occurs principally in two groups, domestic servants and theatrical and concert artists and musicians, which comprise nearly 76 per cent. of the total. Apart from a very few compassionate cases, no permit is issued to allow an alien to enter the country to take up employment unless my Department is satisfied that no suitable person already resident in this country is available for the purpose or unless there is a reciprocal advantage to British subjects who desire to take up employment abroad.
§ Mr. HANNONDo the Ministry of Labour exercise every possible precaution so as not to allow undesirable aliens to get into the country even occasionally?
§ Miss BONDFIELDYes.
§ Mr. SMITHERSDo these regulations apply strictly to Soviet citizens coming—[Interruption.]
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYYou have Russia on the brain.