§ 18. Mr. HANNONasked the Home Secretary whether he can state the number of male and female aliens, respectively, admitted to Great Britain and Northern Ireland during the 12 months ended 31st December, 1925; whether statistics are available of the number of aliens entering Great Britain and Northern Ireland after temporary residence in the Irish Free State; whether the Regulations governing the admission of aliens have undergone any change during the year 1925; and whether steps are being taken to exclude rigidly all aliens whose admission to Great Britain and Northern Ireland would tend to limit the opportunities of employment for British subjects?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSStatistics for 1925 are not yet complete, but the usual Return will be presented to Parliament in due course. No figures are available to show the number of aliens arriving from the Irish Free State, but I may perhaps remind my hon. Friend that the admission of aliens to the Free State from abroad is subject to Regulations corresponding to those applying to Great Britain ant. Northern Ireland. I may add that these Regulations have been made in consultation with my Department, and I have every reason to believe that they are properly carried out. There has been no change in the Regulations during the past year: and the provision still applies that an alien who seek admission for employment must be in possession of a permit for his engagement issued by the Minister of Labour.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that permits are granted to alien musicians to come into this country and to throw our musicians out of work?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI know only that my right hon. colleague exercises the greatest care in the matter, but there are occasionally cases where, in his opinion, it is desirable to allow foreign musicians to come into the country.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that permits are constantly granted to jazz bands to come in?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI do not think that that is the case. If the hon. Member will forgive me for saying so, I think he is exaggerating. If he puts his question to the Minister of Labour he will get a full reply.
§ Major CRAWFURDWould it be possible to bring these persons under the contemplated Merchandise Marks Act?