HC Deb 16 December 1963 vol 686 c150W
Miss Vickers

asked the Minister of Labour how many girls from overseas are at present in this country on work permits issued for domestic helps; from which countries they come; and what is the youngest age at which he will issue such a permit.

Mr. Godber

Information about the total number of foreign women in this country on permits for domestic work is not available, but permits issued for this employment average 20,000 per year. Only about two-thirds of this number remain for more than 12 months. The majority of women come from Western European countries; about two-thirds of the total come from Spain, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. The minimum age for a permit for a foreigner to be employed in domestic work is 18 years.