To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to how many and what proportion of posts in the civil service a certificate under the Aliens’ Employment Act 1955 applies, broken down by Department; and if she will make a statement. (129722)

A certificate under the Aliens’ Employment Act 1955 may be awarded in respect of employment in any non-reserved post, that is, in 95 per cent. of the total number of posts in the civil service. Figures on the number of certificates issued during 2006-07 are still to be finalised. For information on earlier years, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to him on 27 June 2006, Official Report, column 314W.