asked the Secretary of State for Employment why he has refused a work permit to the newly appointed International Secretary of the War Resisters International, Mr. Markus Bodmer, a Swiss national.

Permits for overseas workers to take executive or clerical work are issued only where the job is specialised and the overseas worker has the right combination of qualifications and experience. The application made by War Resisters International in respect of Mr. Bodmer was refused because it did not satisfy those conditions.

Is the hon. Gentleman prepared to meet a deputation on this matter before Christmas? Will he bear in mind that this organisation has had its international headquarters in London for nearly 50 years and that the man whom it appoints as international secretary is not always British?

The application was turned down because we felt that this man did not have the specialised experience. We know of the hon. Gentleman's concern. We in the Department of Employment always try to be helpful, and I shall be happy to see the hon. Gentleman to discuss the matter further.

I thank the hon. Gentleman.