HC Deb 05 June 2000 vol 351 cc151-2W
Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on ending specific skill shortages by permitting economic migration; and if he will make a statement. [123728]

Mrs. Roche

Equipping people in the United Kingdom through education and training is key to addressing specific skill shortages. Enhancing access for skilled people from overseas is also important. The Home Office's formal aim for immigration explicitly recognises regulation of entry to and settlement in the United Kingdom in the interests of social stability and economic growth. Within the European Union, freedom of movement means that there is in effect a free market for employment. For non-European Economic Area nationals, the Immigration Rules provide for people seeking to enter or remain in the United Kingdom for specified employment and business purposes, subject to the conditions in the Rules. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has responsibility for the work permit service which is specifically designed to enable employers in the United Kingdom to recruit skilled people from abroad, and recently announced measures aimed at further developing this service.