§ 3. Mr. Vernon Bartlettasked the Minister of Labour how many Swiss citizens are now resident in the United Kingdom; how many of them are doing paid work; and whether he can give the equivalent figures for British residents in Switzerland.
§ Mr. IsaacsIn reply to the first part of the Question, I understand from my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Home Affairs, that approximately 6,700 Swiss citizens are regarded as resident in the United Kingdom. Statistics as to the number doing paid work are not available. As regards the last part of the Question, I am advised by my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, that there are in Switzerland registered at British Consulates 2,322 British subjects of whom 551 are doing paid work. It may be assumed that the number of British subjects not registered at the Consulates is negligible.
§ Mr. BartlettDoes my right hon. Friend realise that the restrictions imposed on British subjects in Switzerland, doing paid or unpaid work, are very strict indeed, and, in view of the large number of Swiss people working in this country, would he consult with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to see whether some approach cannot be made to the Swiss Government on this matter?
§ Mr. IsaacsCertainly, Sir.