HC Deb 09 December 1980 vol 995 c298W
Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the fact that there are now over 2.1 million persons unemployed in the United Kingdom, he will review the continuance of permanent settlement by migrant workers in the United Kingdom after a period of approved employment, in accordance with the terms of a recommendation revised in 1949.

Mr. Raison

Maintaining conditions for a period beyond four years would not of itself reduce the number of overseas workers in employment in this country. Effective control depends on limiting the availabilty of work permits, as the Government have done, to those holding recognised professional qualifications or having a high degree of skill or experience and whose engagement is essential.

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