§ 28. Sir W. de FRECEasked the Minister of Labour the number of applications for admission of foreign musical and theatrical artists made since 1st January last and the percentages of admissions and refusals, respectively?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND959 permits were applied for; 884 or 92 per cent. were granted, and 75 (8 per cent.) were refused.
§ Sir W. de FRECEAre restrictions imposed on similar British artists in foreign countries?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI could not answer that question without notice.
Commander WILLIAMSWhy are so many foreign artists allowed in when British artists are obviously the best?
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of our British musicians are out of work, and that they are, if anything, superior to the musicians who are granted permits to come to this country?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI am delighted to find this concurrence of opinion on both sides of the House, and the fact that there is such an opinion, which in many cases may be correct, is really another justification of the action which we took.
Sir F. HALLWill my right hon. Friend get into touch with some hon. Members and persuade them not to employ these foreign musicians?
Captain BENNHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that the National Gallery is full of pictures by foreigners?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDMany of them were certainly not imported during the painters' lifetime.
Mr. BECKETTDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that the British public are likely to go and see foreign artists if British artists are as good?
§ Colonel DAYOn a point of Order. The hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall) pointed to me when he made that remark and asked that question. May I ask supplementary question of the Minister of Labour?