HC Deb 10 June 1937 vol 324 cc1936-7
9. Mr. Day

asked the Minister of Labour the number of permits issued by his Department to enable German citizens to enter this country for the purpose of taking up employment, for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

Mr. Butler

The number of permits issued during the 12 months ended 31st May, 1937, for the employment of German nationals was 3,164.

Mr. Day

Are there any time limits in the granting of these permits?

Mr. Butler

Yes. Each individual case is treated on its merits, and there are time limits.

Mr. Day

How many Germans are there in the country at the present time?

Mr. Petherick

Does this represent any departure from the previous policy of the Government, namely, very strict control of immigration and strong discouragement of it while there is a large number of unemployed still in this country?

Mr. Butler

My hon. Friend has correctly represented the Government policy in this matter.

Mr. Davidson

Are permits issued on behalf of households which have German domestics where there are no English or British domestics employed?

Mr. Butler

There are permits issued in respect of domestic servants, and they form a considerable portion of the total.

Mr. Mander

Is it not also a fact that special sympathy is shown to applications coming from refugees who have been driven out of their own countries?