---

Immigration (Work Permits)

I can give two assurances. First, the Government understand the importance of the sector. My hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Keith Vaz) gave some important figures about the economic contribution of its members to the economy. It is fair to say that that contribution is not only to our economy, but to the breadth of our society and culture. I therefore give the assurance that my hon. Friend seeks and stress that we will continue to monitor the position closely. The real answer is investment in people in this country to develop their skills. The Government are committed to making that happen.