HC Deb 29 February 1928 vol 214 cc398-9
24. Mr. DAY

asked the Minister of Labour the number of theatrical and film actors and actresses of foreign birth who were admitted to Great Britain for the purpose of taking up engagements for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland)

During the year ended 31st December, 1927, 120 permits were issued to enable aliens to come to this country for employment as theatrical and film actors and actresses. In addition, in five cases the Home Secretary was advised to agree to aliens taking up such employment after they had been given permission to land for other reasons. All permits were issued for short periods in the first instance, but in some cases where plays proved to be successful or where further engagements had been secured, I advised the Home Secretary to agree to short extensions of the original period.

Mr. DAY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there has not been a great increase in the last few months in permits for people coming into this country to make films?

Sir A. STEEL-MAITLAND

I cannot answer that question offhand. If the hon. Gentleman will put down a question, I will try and get comparative figures.

Mr. AUSTIN HOPKINSON

Has the right hon. Gentleman got particulars of the number of permits that have been issued to theatrical agents of foreign origin?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Have we not Members of this House who are of foreign birth; if so, why not actors and actresses on the stage?