119. Colonel N. GRIFFITHSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether a considerable amount of labour is now being employed at Drury Lane Theatre in connection with the erection of electric motors of high speed and other elaborate machinery for the production of "Razzle-Dazzle"; whether such machinery has been imported from America; and, if so, is this in accordance with the Government's declared policy of prohibiting the importation of other than articles of manufacture which may be urgently required?
§ Mr. PRETYMANI have made inquiries and have ascertained that a small number of workmen are employed at this theatre in transferring a dynamo and installing a refrigerating plant. The machinery is not new, and the last part of the question accordingly does not arise.
Colonel GRIFFITHSDo I understand that the machinery has not been imported from America for this particular purpose?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThe information given to me is that it has been used in another theatre before.
Colonel GRIFFITHSMay I ask whether or not this machinery could be better employed in making munitions of war rather than preparing "Razzle-Dazzle"?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThat may be. I dare say there may be a great many of us who might be better employed making munitions.
§ Mr. FLAVINWill the hon. Gentleman, for the information of Members, explain what "Razzle-Dazzle" is?