asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has of the number of persons resident in this country after the expiry of their work permit; how he makes this estimate; and what steps he is taking to reduce these numbers.

Statistics are not maintained of people who have been subject to employment restrictions and are in breach of them, but action with a view to removal is taken when the period of stay of a work permit holder not accepted for settlement has expired and he has not left the country.