HC Deb 16 February 1939 vol 343 cc1882-4
22. Wing-Commander James

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent, and for what reasons, he has handed over to the Home Office his functions in connection with the permission to aliens to work in this country?

Mr. E. Brown

There has been no transfer of statutory functions. It has been decided that the procedure for the issue of Ministry of Labour permits to employers desiring to employ an alien from abroad is not in general applicable to refugees from Germany and such cases are, therefore, dealt with by the Home Office, with such consultation with my Department as is necessary from time to time.

Wing-Commander James

Does that answer mean that the Home Office are in fact issuing permits to work?

Mr. Brown

I think it is a misunderstanding. The permits issued under my statutory power are, of course, permits to employers who ask for workers to come. That is very different. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will await my right hon. Friend's answer to a later question.

67. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many former Austrian subjects living in this country have accepted German citizenship; and how many have refused to do so and have become stateless?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)

It has not been felt necessary to institute any general inquiry in regard to the present national status of every person living in this country who was formerly an Austrian subject.

Mr. Mander

Is it not the case that there is no obligation whatever upon any of these former Austrian subjects to accept German nationality?

Sir S. Hoare

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.

Mr. Bellenger

What will be the position of these aliens if they become Stateless and apply to the right hon. Gentleman to extend their permits to remain in this country?

Sir S. Hoare

Their permits to stay in this country would not be affected and arrangements could be made to give them other documents for purposes of travel.

Mr. Wedgwood Benn

Can we be assured that the right hon. Gentleman will use no pressure of any kind to compel these ex-Austrian subjects to become German subjects?

Sir S. Hoare

I should have thought that the right hon. Gentleman need scarcely have asked that question. Of course the answer is, No.

Mr. T. Williams

Is it not the case that we cannot in any set of circumstances deport a Stateless person anywhere?

Sir S. Hoare

I should prefer to see that question on the Paper.

80. Wing-Commander James

asked the Home Secretary whether he keeps the Ministry of Labour informed and, when necessary, consults that Department in all cases of admissions of aliens, adults or children, authorised by his Department?

Sir S. Hoare

The Home Secretary is responsible both for the admission of aliens and for extending or terminating the period of an alien's stay in this country. If, however, an employer wants to bring into this country an alien from abroad for employment, he must obtain a permit from the Minister of Labour. If an alien, having been admitted for some other purpose, subsequently wishes to take employment, the sanction of the Home Office must be obtained, and it is the normal practice of the Home Office to consult the Ministry of Labour for the purpose of ascertaining whether it is the kind of case in which a permit would have been given had the employer wished to bring in an alien from abroad. Where, however, the alien has been admitted as a refugee special considerations arise, and in these cases I have come to an arrangement with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, under which permission to enter employment shall be given by my Department without referring every individual case to the Ministry of Labour if I am satisfied that the employment of the alien will not prejudicially affect the employment of any British subject. It is, however, part of the arrangement referred to that my Department should continue to seek the advice of the Ministry when necessary and to keep them fully informed of the action taken by the Home Office.

Wing-Commander James

Must questions affecting such persons be addressed to the Home Office or the Ministry of Labour?

Sir S. Hoare

I will look into the point and let my hon. and gallant Friend know.