HC Deb 21 March 1938 vol 333 c835
41. Mr. Liddall

asked the Minister of Labour whether any permits have been granted recently to foreign specialists in the manufacture of rubber footwear to enter this country for the purpose of employment in this country?

Mr. Wedgwood Benn

Before the Minister answers this question, may I ask the Prime Minister, or you, Mr. Speaker, whether the Minister is still a Member of the Government, in view of the speech which he made during the week-end?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Lennox-Boyd)

No permits have been given since the beginning of the present year. Since 1st January, 1937, three permits have been issued for the employment of foreign specialists in the manufacture of rubber footwear. One of the permits related to a foreigner employed here who went abroad temporarily. A recommendation was made to the Home Office in respect of one foreigner already in the country in substitution for one who had already returned home.

Mr. Shinwell

Have any of these specialists come from Czechoslovakia; and would the hon. Gentleman care to express his views on Czechoslovakia?

Mr. Davidson

Is it not a fact that permits have been granted to foreign specialists in lies and atrocities?