§ 2. Mr. Leaveyasked the Minister of Labour what action is taken by his Department before endorsing the police certificates of foreign workers in this country who wish to change employment without change of address.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe endorsement signifies that permission to take up new employment has been granted and is made when on inquiry the conditions for the grant of permission are found to be satisfied. In general, these conditions are the same as those applying to the issue of permits to foreigners coming to this country from abroad which were set out in the reply my right hon. and learned Friend gave to the hon. Member for Swindon (Mr. F. Noel-Baker) on 1st December, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LeaveyIn thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that in certain cases delay in the endorsement of these certificates causes unemployment, even though the new job is available to the applicant? Will he be good enough to ensure that the delay is reduced to the absolute minimum?
§ Mr. WatkinsonYes, Sir. My hon. Friend has brought a case of that kind to notice, about which a reply will be sent to him. I know that my right hon. and learned Friend will also look at the general principle.