HC Deb 20 January 1969 vol 776 cc22-3
24. Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity which firms in Wolverhampton applied for A vouchers for immigrant workers during each of the last five years.

Mr. Fernyhough

I regret that the names of employers applying for vouchers cannot be disclosed. I will however, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing the numbers of applications received and vouchers issued over the past five years.

Mrs. Short

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend. Does he not agree that as industry has been largely responsible for the concentration in Wolverhampton, industry should be compelled to play its part in providing for the social needs in this area? Is he aware that there is an urgent need for social centres, for example, for young immigrant schoolleavers? Does he not think that industry should play its part with the Government and the local authorities in providing for these needs. and will he take action to do something about it?

Mr. Fernyhough

I should like to think that most employers do as my hon. Friend requests but whether we have power to compel them to do anything if they are failing to play their part in what I would call the social needs of their community is a different matter.

Mr. Hogg

Will not the hon. Gentleman accept that, whereas under present legislation, as the hon. Lady has said, it is for industry to take the initiative, this is a public responsibility and a move to a different system in which local authorities and Government have the initiative is desirable?

Mr. Fernyhough

I would have thought that what the Government have already announced about areas of this kind, deprived areas, would be helpful, and I hope that the right hon. and learned Gentleman will agree.

Following is the information:

Following is the information:

TABLE
Applications received Vouchers issued
1964 … … 75 33
1965 … … 83 22
1966 … … 49 8
1967 … … 16 3
1968 … … 11 7
Totals … 234 73

Altogether 136 employers were involved some applying for more than one voucher and in successive years. There are at present two further applications awaiting consideration.