§ Mr. Sydney Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will 221W make a statement about the conditions for the issue of work permits under the Immigration Act 1971.
§ Mr. Maurice MacmillanAs my right hon. Friend promised in November, I am placing a statement in the Library explaining the new criteria for work permits in detail. In general, these provide that permits will be issued only for work requiring a professional qualification, skill or experience and where the employment of an overseas worker is necessary. They will not be issued if suitable resident labour is available to fill the post offered nor if the wages and conditions offered are less favourable than those obtaining in the area for similar work. Commonwealth citizens and aliens—other than EEC nationals—will generally be eligible for permits on the same terms. The Government will keep the number of permits issued under close scrutiny, so that the criteria can be revised at any time if this appears necessary in the light of national needs.