§ Mr. Terry Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether there has been a change of policy by his Department in connection with the extension of stay for work permit holders; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John FraserI am aware of allegations that there has been a change of policy in this connection; these were made in relation to employment in hospitals.
548WThese allegations are quite wrong. In fact, responsibility for extending the stay of work permit holders rests with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Home Department. In accordance with the immigration rules, where a work permit holders is in approved employment and the employer confirms that he wishes to continue to employ him, an extension of stay may be granted by the Home Office. There have been no changes in the rules in this respect, nor in the practice in applying the rules which is, in normal circumstances, to grant the extension requested.