§ 26. Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Labour whether it is now the custom of his Department to consult the various representative organisations and obtain their views before he decides to grant permits to artistes and others engaged in the entertainment industry to land in Great Britain; and in how many cases this procedure has been adopted during the previous 12 months?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIt is the custom to consult various organisations before permits are issued in respect of applications which raise any doubt or difficulty. I have no figures as to the number of cases of such consultation during the past twelve months; indeed, any such figures would be valueless without a detailed account of the nature of the various applications.
§ Mr. DAYDoes the right hon. Gentleman consult the Amalgamated Musicians Union with regard to jazz musicians who come to this country from America?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI consult the various organisations. I consulted, I think it was, the Variety Artistes Federation as regards the Coney Island freaks which were mentioned in a previous question. They raised no objection except to ask that an equivalent amount of employment of British subjects should be given. I believe that the general method which we employ has worked perfectly and without complaint. Of course, in case of individual artists like M. Kreisler, for example, no question like that arises.
§ Mr. DAYAre the Amalgamated Musicians Union consulted with regard to big jazz bands which are coming into this country and keeping English musicians out of work?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDIf the hon. Member will put down a question about a particular Union I will give him an answer. He did not put down a question about a particular union, and therefore he did not get an answer with regard to that matter.