§ 29. Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what progress he has made in reducing the number of work permits issued to non-European Economic Community nationals to work in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkSteps taken to reduce the number of work permits issued are reflected in the following table, which gives the latest available details of work permit approvals for overseas nationals coming here to work.
Employment expected to last Year 11 Months or more Less than 11 months* Total 1979 8,344 9,649 17,993 1980 6,423 8,238 14,661 1981 5,780 6,983 12,763 1982 5,569 7,263 12,663 * Includes a higher proportion of permits for established overseas entertainers to take engagements in this country, which was as follows:
per cent. 1979 80 1980 94 1981 91 1982 92