HC Deb 05 March 1964 vol 690 cc1494-5
6. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now relax his policy towards the entry into this country of girls from Eastern European countries to take up domestic employment on a temporary basis.

Mr. Brooke

Subject to security and other considerations, I am prepared to consider applications for au pair visits not exceeding 12 months by girls from Eastern European countries or, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, to consider applications to employ girls from these countries as domestics for a similar period.

Mr. Mayhew

While thanking the Home Secretary for his welcome change of attitude, may I ask him to bear in mind in administering his decision that it is the desire of hon. Members on both sides of the House to increase contact with Eastern Europe?

Mr. Brooke

I am grateful to the hon. Member for what he has said. I hope he will also take note of the necessary safeguards I included in my Answer.