§ Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether it is the practice of his Department to consult the British Boxing Board of Control about applications made for the admission to the United Kingdom of boxers for fights being sponsored by persons not affiliated to that body: and, if so, why.
§ Mr. MayhewYes. One of the principal aims of the work permit scheme is to protect employment opportunities for British and long-resident overseas workers. In general only highly skilled overseas workers are given permits and then only if my Department is satisfied that no suitable resident labour is available. The scheme is administered somewhat differently for professional sportsmen but the 25W general principles remain the same. To assist my Department in deciding whether or not applications to engage overseas sportsmen or women meet the criteria my officials seek the views of the principal responsible bodies in the sport concerned.
The British Boxing Board of Control is consulted on applications for work permits to enable overseas boxers to fight here and permits are issued only for such boxers to participate in bouts licensed by the board.
At the request of another boxing organisation this policy is being reviewed.
Year ended 31 March 1978 Year ended 31 March 1979 £ £ Income from all sources 8,261,351 9,282,656 Grants to employers (including levy exemption and levy rebate grant offset against employers' levy liability and not received by Board) 5,741,514 6,264,262