HC Deb 01 July 1952 vol 503 cc222-3
18. Sir Edward Keeling

asked the Minister of Labour to what extent the decision, announced to the House in 1947, not to impose any restrictions on the issue of permits for private households to employ foreign domestic servants, has been modified, and when.

Sir W. Monckton

The policy announced in March, 1947, for the grant of permits for the admission of foreign workers to this country for employment in private resident domestic service has not been changed; but since October, 1947, a foreign worker so admitted who leaves the employment for which a permit was granted has been allowed to take further employment, only in resident domestic service in a hospital or similar institution or a private household in special need of domestic help.

Sir E. Keeling

When an undertaking given to the House is cancelled so soon afterwards—within a few months, as the Minister has said—should not the House be informed at the time?

Sir W. Monckton

All I can say is that this took place in 1947. I understand that the announcement in October, 1947, was publicly made, even if it was not made in this House.