§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will take steps to alter the Immigration Rules on work 191W permits so as to establish criteria which are related to labour shortage or surplus in a particular industry.
§ Mr. John FraserThe criteria for issuing work permits to persons requiring them under the Immigration Act 1971 are not laid down in the Immigration Rules but are decided by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in consultation with his colleagues. The current criteria, which were announced by the previous administration on 25th January 1973, provide that in general permits may be issued only for work requiring a professional qualification, skill or experience and where the employment of an overseas worker is necessary. They are not issued if suitable resident labour is available to fill the post offered or if the wages and conditions offered are less favourable than those obtaining in the area for similar work. Commonwealth citizens and aliens, other than EEC nationals, are generally eligible for permits on the same terms. The Government will keep the criteria under review, so that they can be revised at any time if this appears necessary.