§ 5. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity how many Australians, whether already in this country or outside, in 1968 and in the first quarter of 1969, respectively, applied for work permits in Great Britain and were refused.
§ Mr. FernyhoughEmployment vouchers are issued only to persons outside this country. In 1968, 507 applications were made and 97 rejected; in the first quarter of 1969, 184 and 39, respectively.
§ Mr. TilneyWhy does the Home Secretary refuse to grant an extension of a work permit for an Australian about whom I have written to him, who is a member of a British trade union and who has asked for the extension in a job in which there is no unemployment? As Australia takes so many immigrants from 1551 Britain, should there not be a little more reciprocity?
§ Mr. FernyhoughI believe that there is reciprocity. There is a constant to and fro between both countries. As the hon. Gentleman did not give me notice that he would raise this specific case, I am not able to comment on what he thinks is the unfavourable decision he has had from the Home Secretary.