§ 5. Mr. PARKINSONasked the Minister of Labour the number of aliens who have been allowed to enter this country to take up employment during the year 1932; and whether permits have been granted in each case?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONThe total number of authorisations for the employment of aliens in the United Kingdom issued during 1932 was 9,757. In 8,957 cases permits were issued by my Department; in the remaining 800 the aliens had already been given leave to land, and on the recommendation of my Department were subsequently allowed to take up employment.
§ Mr. PARKINSONIs not a careful scrutiny of these applications necessary, in view of the large number of people that we have unemployed?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI can, assure the hon. Gentleman that these applications are very carefully scrutinised. As regards numbers, I have had some inquiries made, and I find that about one-third of the number are for private domestic servants.
§ Mr. HANNONIn issuing new permits, will my right hon. Friend take very great care to see that the number may be steadily reduced?
§ Sir H. BETTERTONI have that point constantly in view, and I have the most careful scrutiny in every case to see whether it is necessary or desirable.