§ Mr. SternTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many applications for work permits remained unsettled with his Department at the latest available date.
§ Mr. EggarThe number of applications for work permits under consideration at 30 March 1990 was 3,945.
§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many work permits were issued to foreign nationals in each of the past two years; in what main areas of work; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarThe total number of work permits granted in 1988 and 1989 for overseas nationals to work in Great Britain were 25,973 and 29,730 respectively. The main areas of work for which permits were granted were: 817W
Occupational group 1988 1989 Performers 11,705 12,107 Companies secretaries, accountants 2,999 4,877 Directors and general managers 2,319 2,059 Personnel and management specialists1 1,770 1,279 Engineering researchers, designers and consultants1 1,086 1,695 Natural science researchers and consultants 981 1,155 Teachers and instructors1 806 840 Cooks and waiters1 779 1,104 Health diagnosing and treating occupations1 685 973 Sportspersons2 647 — Marketing and public relations specialists2 — 629 1 Ranking changed in 1989. 2 Appeared in top ten for one year only. Of these, 3,790 and 4,228 work permits were granted in 1988 and 1989 under the training and work experience scheme.