§ Sir C. Osborneasked the Minister of Labour, in view of the persistent and growing unemployment and under-employment, what is now the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding the issue of work permits to intending immigrants; what is his estimate of the level to which unemployment can grow before further immigration will need to be stopped; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HareThe policy of the Government is to issue employment vouchers196W to intending immigrants at the rate which they consider to be right at the time, having regard to our capacity to absorb them into our national life. I cannot speculate about the volume of immigration which might be compatible with a particular level of unemployment. Other factors have also to be taken into account.