HC Deb 06 July 1978 vol 953 cc645-6
20. Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about the refusal of employers in the public sector to employ coloured British citizens because they were unable to prove their British nationality or residence status when they applied for employment.

Mr. John

None, Sir.

Mr. Litterick

Is the Minister aware that a constituent of mine, Mr. R. D. Butcher, recently applied for employment at the post office in Birmingham and was refused work? Is he further aware that on form ES12, which is returned to the local employment office, it was stated by the interviewing officer that he would not employ this man because he did not produce a passport or a letter from the Home Office to prove his residence status. Is this not something remarkably like an informal pass law system for black people in Britain?

Mr. John

I have had a letter from the JCWI on behalf of Mr. Butcher, but it did not refer to employment in the public sector. I am glad my hon. Friend has specified that. I shall be replying to the organisation and to my hon. Friend in the light of his Question today. The present indications are that there are no restrictions on Mr. Butcher's employment or length of stay in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Michael Morris

Is the Minister aware that there is increasing evidence of Her Majesty's inspectors of taxes insisting on the submission of birth certificates with tax returns and then keeping those birth certificates when they relate to people who have come here under the Immigration Act? Is this not a deplorable situation? Will he investigate it?

Mr. John

If the hon. Gentleman will give me the evidence, I shall certainly look at it. I have had no such evidence submitted to me direct.

Mr. Thorne

Has the Secretary of State had time to read the newspaper cutting I sent to him earlier today regarding the deportation of Mrs. Khullar and her two-year-old child? Is he now satisfied with his work?

Mr. John

My right hon. Friend has had the cutting. I cannot say whether he has read it, but I promise that he will be in touch with my hon. Friend about this case.