§ Mr. MansTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to review the work permit scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeChanges in the labour market since the current rules for granting work permits were set in 1980 make it timely to review the operation of the scheme. We are concerned to see that the scheme, taking into account the interests of the resident labour force, provides as efficient service as possible to employers who need to employ people from outside the European Community. My Department has today sent a consultation paper to interested bodies inviting their view on proposals for increasing the effectiveness of the scheme. I have placed a copy of the paper in the Library. This review will also contribute to the Government's strategy of removing burdens from business.