§ LORD O'HAGANasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the current annual figures for the entry of alien workers; what are the criteria which govern the level of entry; whether those criteria are still satisfactory; and what estimate Her Majesty's Government make of future requirements.
§ LORD WINDLESHAMIn recent years the annual entry of foreign nationals for employment has been between 40,000 and 50,000, of whom about half come for seasonal employment. Permits are granted, on application by employers, only if no suitable resident labour is available. As to the latter parts of the noble Lord's Question, perhaps he will be good enough to await the publication of the Bill foreshadowed in the gracious Speech.
House adjourned at twenty-four minutes before ten o'clock.