§ 1. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Minister of Labour how many persons, not being British nationals, are in the employ of the Russian Oil Products Company on the last convenient date and a year ago; the reasons for the retention of these aliens; and will he withdraw their licences to remain in this country as soon as possible so that the work may be done by British nationals?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Henry Betterton)The numbers of persons, within the scope of the Aliens Order, in the employ of Russian Oil Products Company, on the 1st November, 1931, and the 1st October, 1930, were 46 and 52 respectively, out of a total staff of over a thousand. The information in the possession of the Department tends to show that the employment of these individuals is reasonable in existing circumstances, and that the work could not readily be undertaken by British nationals.
§ Mr. SMITHERSIf the licences are abused, what steps is my right hon. Friend going to take to see that these agents are really necessary to the business and not merely acting as agents of the Soviet Government?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI can assure my hon. Friend that the position is always watched to see that the terms imposed are being adhered to.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSHas the right hon. Gentleman any reason to believe that the terms have been abused in any way?
§ Sir. H. BETTERTONNo, Sir, I have not.
§ 17. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will state the number of Soviet citizens who have permission to reside in this country; the time of sojourn allowed; and the nature of their occupations?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir Herbert Samuel)I will give the hon. Member the most recent figures available. As he is no doubt aware, a Soviet citizen desiring to come to this country has to obtain a visa before starting and has also to satisfy the Immigration Officer on arrival that he can legally and safely be given leave to land. Where leave is given, it is the practice to attach conditions fixing a definite period for the stay and a careful check is kept to see that such conditions are observed, unless of course they have subsequently been extended for cause shown.
Of the 1,672 persons for whom visas were authorised during the five years ended the 31st December last, 307 were coming to join the staffs of the Trade Delegation or Soviet Trading Companies in this country. The remainder were coming only for short visits for business or other purposes and, except in the case of recent arrivals, have left again in accordance with the conditions attached to their landing.
§ Mr. SMITHERSCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the permit for the 300 citizens who came here for trade purposes is terminable, and, if so, how long is the permit in operation?
§ Sir H. SAMUELThese 300 persons came here over a period of five years. As a rule, I understand, no definite term is fixed for their stay.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the part that he and his colleagues are playing in the Cabinet is the Soviet system put into effect?