§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Employment with which organisations he has had discussions concerning the operation of the work permits scheme.
§ Mr. John GrantI have had no recent discussions about the work permit scheme in general. Last December I discussed with the football authorities particular 107W problems arising on the issue of work permits for professional footballers in Scotland. Consultations with organisations of workers and other bodies with a specific interest in the work permit scheme have been conducted by officials who have reported to me where appropriate.
§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many work permits were granted in each year since the scheme's inception.
§ Mr. John GrantThe numbers of work permits issued—including permissions to take employment for those already here— in each year since 1973 were as folows:
1973 32,839 1974 33,045 1975 30,078 1976 22,620 1977 18,414 1978 9,241 (1 January to 30 June)