§ Mr. M. Clark Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Italians have been granted permits to take up work in Aden in each of the years 1954, 1955, 1956, and the first six months of 1957; and whether he is satisfied that these immigrants are not lessening the opportunities of the local people of Aden from obtaining higher and more responsible jobs.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe number of entry permits granted to Italians was as follows:
1954 … … 222 1955 … … 131 1956 … … 131 1957 (first half) … … 19 Some of these persons have now left the Colony but figures are not available.
The large number of permits granted in 1954–1956 relate to an exceptional period of building and construction when a large number of skilled workers were required for the refinery and port construction projects.
Entry permits for varying periods not exceeding three years to take up employment are granted only for occupations in which it is certified by the Labour Commissioner, with the advice of a panel which includes employers and trade union representatives, that there are not sufficient 283W residents employed or suitable for employment in those occupations. Employers are responding satisfactorily to the advice of the Labour Commissioner that where it can reasonably be done skilled immigrants should train local residents to take over their jobs on expiry of the immigrant's permit.
For these reasons I am satisfied that Italian or other immigrants are not lessening opportunities of Adenis securing higher and more responsible jobs.