§ Mr. Simsasked the Secretary of State for Employment why 90 work permits for overseas workers for employment as waiting staff were issued in respect of the Greater London area during the first six months of this year in view of the fact that during the same period there were several hundred registered unemployed waiters and waitresses in the area.
§ Mr. John GrantThe permits were issued because the conditions of the work permit scheme were satisfied in each case. These conditions include the requirement that no suitable labour is available here for the job in question. Reasons for unsuitability will include insufficient and inappropriate skill or experience for the particular job. Turnover in this industry is high, and a number of the people registered on the particular day when a count is taken will be between jobs and about to start in a new post.