HC Deb 18 November 1954 vol 533 cc542-3
11. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Minister of Labour to make a statement as to his Department's policy about the admission of German workers for industrial employment in this country, and on the recruitment of German ex-prisoners of war and others resident in this country for industrial employment.

Sir W. Monckton

Permits for industrial employment are issued to employers in this country in respect of foreigners, including Germans, who possess special skill, qualifications or experience not commonly available in this country, for skilled workers for essential industries where there is an overall shortage of such workers, and for unskilled workers in undermanned industries particularly important to the national economy. Permits are not required for German ex-prisoners of war and other Germans who have been long resident in this country.

13. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Minister of Labour the number of German and British workers, respectively, employed at a factory of which he has been informed on the Huyton Industrial Estate; the number of German workers who are highly-skilled key workers; and the number who have been taken on in the last six months without such qualifications.

Sir W. Monckton

I am making inquiries and will write to the right hon. Member.

Mr. H. Wilson

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this factory was set up to deal with the problem of local unemployment in the Merseyside area? Will he be particularly careful about the practice of this company in taking on a large number of German ex-prisoners of war in this country and workers from Germany, which is causing unemployment in that area?

Sir W. Monckton

I had this particular case brought to my notice only yesterday, and, as I have told the right hon. Gentleman, I will carefully inquire into it.