asked the Minister of Labour whether she has received the protest from Mr. W. Banfield, for and on behalf of the Operative Bakers' Union, against the importation of continental workmen into the bakery trade in this country; whether any permits have been issued by her for this purpose; and if she is taking any action in the matter?

Neither the Home Secretary nor I have received such a protest. It has not been possible in the time available to ascertain the precise number of permits of this kind that have been issued, but such permits would only be issued in very exceptional circumstances, and the total, I am sure, is very small.

Does the right hon. Lady mean to tell the House that this gentleman has not taken the elementary step, if he desires this matter to be attended to, to apply to the Ministry of Labour, and does she think that such a man should represent any constituency?

Why should the right hon. Lady refuse to receive the workmen when we admit the goods that they produce?

Does the Minister think that this question would have been asked if there had not been a by-election at Fulham?