HC Deb 13 December 1974 vol 883 cc281-3W
Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many

dwellings were handed over in this condition by Ballymena Borough Council, Carrickfergus Borough Council, Larne Borough Council, Portrush Urban Council, Ballycastle Urban Council, Ballymoney Urban Council, Ballymoney District Council, Ballymena District Council and Ballycastle District Council, respectively.

Mr. Moyle

It is estimated that for the following district council areas the numbers of Northern Ireland Housing Executive dwellings which lack the amenities detailed are as follows:

citizens of Eire have been granted work permits for employment in Northern Ireland in each year since 1970.

Mr. Orme

The figures are:

1970 … … … 892
1971 … … … 675
1972 … … … 360
1973 … … … 412
1974 (to date) … … … 422

Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the issue of work permits in Northern Ireland will cease to comply with EEC regulations; and whether any negotiations have taken place to extend the period.

Mr. Moyle

The EEC secondary legislation in the field of the free movement of labour is not due to come into force in Northern Ireland until 1st January 1978 when the five-year period of derogation ends. No negotiations have taken place to extend the period.

Mr. McCusker

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what factors are taken into consideration when granting work permits to people from outside Northern Ireland who want to take up employment in the Province.

Mr. Orme

Under the Safeguarding of Employment Act (Northern Ireland) 1947 a person who is not a Northern Ireland worker may not take up work in Northern Ireland, except for certain exempted kinds of work, unless he has a permit. A factor taken into consideration in dealing with applications is that the granting of a permit should not adversely affect employment opportunities for Northern Ireland workers. A permit is granted in respect of a specific job with a named employer and is not normally granted if a suitable Northern Ireland worker is available to take up the employment.