§ Mr. Crowderasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that, in 1936, 10,644 more aliens entered this country than left it; whether he can state the percentage of this total who are engaged in industrial pursuits and professional work, in study, domestic service and in other capacities; and, more particularly, whether he can give such information in respect of the German surplus of 3,036, the Austrian surplus of 3,351, the Russian surplus of 358, and the Chinese surplus of 330?
§ Mr. LloydThe figures given are a statistical record from the passenger index of the excess of arrivals over departures during a period of 12 months: taken by themselves they cannot be used to assess the increase in the permanent alien population, and it is not possible to analyse the figure of 10,644 in the manner suggested. The number of aliens registered with the police in June last was 101,062 males and 92,591 females as compared with the corresponding figures for June, 1936, of 101,269 males and 85,399 females. These figures show a decrease in males of 207 and an increase in females of 7,192, most of whom are domestic servants. In addition to the increase in foreign domestic servants there have been increases in the number of students and in the number of persons coming here for business purposes.
§ Mr. Crowderasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that each year there is now a steady net increase 1987W of alien immigrants who remain in this country, he will, in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour, consider the possibility and desirability of placing further restrictions on all forms of such immigration unless it is for the purpose of touring or education?
§ Mr. LloydThe policy of successive Governments has been, while allowing wide facilities to aliens to visit this country for purposes of study, business, recreation, etc., to restrict in the closest manner additions to the permanent foreign population. The purpose of the restriction is to secure that the employment of British subjects is not adversely affected and to prevent the entry of aliens who are undesirable or likely to become a public charge.
As regards the suggestion in the last part of the question, it will be appreciated that among the foreign visitors to this country are many who come here for business purposes; many are employed by British firms because of their special technical knowledge and experience, and there are some who start businesses which give employment to British subjects. The practice is to consider each application on its merits, and my right hon. Friend does not think that a departure from this practice would be in the national interest.