HC Deb 24 March 1938 vol 333 cc1361-2
19. Mr. Mander

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the practice of his Department, owing to the difficulty in obtaining domestic servants in this country, to allow German girls to come in for the purpose; whether he is aware that many educated German girls land in England, give an undertaking not to accept work paid or unpaid, but subsequently accept work for such positions as housekeepers and companions, at the same time carrying on Nazi propaganda; and what steps he proposes to take to see that these undertakings are kept?

Sir S. Hoare

An alien cannot be given leave to land in this country for the purpose of taking employment unless in possession of a permit for the purpose issued by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. I am aware that from time to time foreign girls who have been admitted for some other purpose, such as study or a visit to friends, have subsequently applied to be allowed to take domestic service, and, after due inquiry, this has sometimes been permitted, but such cases are not numerous. If the hon. Member has knowledge of any cases of foreign women who have accepted employment without permission, or have given legitimate grounds for complaint, I shall be obliged if he will let me have particulars in order that they may be investigated.

Mr. Mander

Do I understand that, if foreign girls come over here on certain conditions and do something else, they have to go back unless they get another permit?

Sir S. Hoare

I could not answer that direct question without notice, but, if the hon. Member has any particular instances, I shall be glad if he will give them to me.

Mr. Mander

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a regular system of intensive propaganda training in Germany for these girls, who are sent to this country for purposes of propaganda?

Sir S. Hoare

If there are cases I should like to know about them.

Mr. Mander

I shall be very glad to supply them.