§ Mr. John Grantasked the Secretary of State for Employment (1) whether any work permit issued to the British Steel Corporation for the employment of a chairman is or will be for an initial period not exceeding 12 months, in accordance with the rules of the work permit scheme;
(2) if he considers that a work permit should be issued for the employment of Mr. Ian MacGregor by the British Steel Corporation because it is in the national interest; and, if so, on what date such a decision was taken;
(3) on what date he received an application for a work permit for Mr. Ian MacGregor to be employed as chairman of the British Steel Corporation;
(4) what steps were taken to ensure that the pending vacancy for a chairman of the British Steel Corporation was notified at the relevant employment office and was advertised, in line with rules of the work permit scheme;
(5) what consideration has been given in the case of Mr. MacGregor and the British Steel Corporation to the work permit scheme rule that only workers between 23 and 54 years of age are eligible for permits.
§ Mr. MayhewMr. MacGregor was born in Scotland and is to the best of our knowledge still a patrial. He would not, therefore, be subject to immigration control and the question of a work permit does not arise.
In the unlikely event of a work permit being required, Mr. MacGregor would fulfil the skill criteria necessary.