HC Deb 12 August 1966 vol 733 cc463-5W
Mr. Colin Jackson

asked the Minister of Labour if he will give the details of the regulations under which work permits are issued to overseas nationals to enable them to undergo practical training in this country; in particular, if it is a condition of issue that the overseas national shall be employed as a supernumerary who is not paid the full rate for the job; and what changes will now be necessary in the application of the scheme in any industry which is covered by an industrial training board.

Mr. Gunter

Commonwealth citizens are permitted to enter this country for

practical training in this country, showing the countries from which they came, the main industrial and occupational groups in which training was provided, and the average length of stay.

Mr. Gunter

The following table shows the number of work permits issued for foreign student employees to come to this country to improve their knowledge of their occupation and of the English language. Separate statistics for those undergoing practical training are not available. The table also shows the countries of origin, but information about the industrial and occupational groups is not available. The great majority remain for periods of not more than twelve months, but extensions are granted where necessary to complete a programme of training.

As regards Commonwealth immigrants, no separate statistics were kept of trainees during the periods to which the Question refers.

specified periods of practical training provided that the training offered is approved by my Ministry, that the arrangements for the trainee's remuneration and accommodation are satisfactory, and that the trainee will return home when his training is completed. It is not a requirement that the trainee should be supernumerary or that he should not be paid the full rate for the job.

Employers of foreign nationals who are to be paid wages or salaries whilst training in this country must in general obtain a labour permit subject to the usual conditions. Permits may be issued in respect of other foreign trainees who are shown to be supernumerary and where the remuneration paid e.g. by way of a maintenance allowance, is less than the amount which would be payable in respect of full employment. Work permits are issued freely to persons who come here under technical assistance schemes.

I do not expect that any changes will be necessary in the application of these schemes to industries covered by an Industrial Training Board but I am keeping the matter under review.