§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his policy regarding the future of work permits in the Province.
§ Mr. ConcannonI assume the hon. Member is referring to employment permits issued under the Safeguarding of Employment Act (Northern Ireland) 1947 and not to work permits issued under the Immigration Act 1971. As I said on 10th February in reply to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea, South (Mr. Perry), it is the Government's intention that the former Act should cease to have effect after 31st December 1977. The position then will be that nationals of EEC and non-Commonwealth countries and Commonwealth citizens, who propose to take up work in Northern Ireland, will be subject to the same immigration rules as apply in relation to all other parts of the United Kingdom.