§ Mr. Luceasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether all immigrants working in the catering industry are in possession of a valid work permit.
§ Mr. John FraserSeveral thousand permits are given each year to enable overseas workers to take jobs in the catering industry. There will also be many whose restrictions on employment have been removed, or in the case of Commonwealth workers were admitted for settlement before 1973, or in the case of EEC nationals do not require work permits.
The Government are concerned about reports that people without work permits are being employed illegally in this industry. My right hon. Friend is looking into the matter in conjunction with the Home Secretary.