asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what representations he has made to the Government of Jamaica in regard to the Foreign Nationals and Commonwealth Citizens (Employment) Act.

The Government drew attention to several aspects of the Bill which adversely affected our citizens, and I am glad to say that the Jamaican authorities made a number of amendments to the Bill before it became law.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it quite clear to the Government of Jamaica that we entirely accept the right of any country to limit immigration if it so wishes? Will he also bear in mind that some firms employing British subjects in Jamaica feel that they may have difficulties now in recruiting the necessary technical staff?

I shall certainly bear in mind what the hon. Member has said, but I draw his attention to one amendment to this Jamaican Act, namely, that Commonwealth citizens are exempt from the provisions of the Act if they have been employed in Jamaica for at least nine months in a year since 1954. That should be of some assistance.