§ 33. Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Labour how many foreign orchestras and bands have been admitted into this country since 1st January, 1928, with the number of persons comprising them; and whether, in view of the unemployment existing among British musicians, he will consider means to discourage foreign orchestras from visiting this country professionally for long periods?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. Betterton)During the period from 1st January, 1928 to 30th April, 1929, permits have been granted for limited periods in respect of seven foreign bands and orchestras, comprising 58 persons. In addition, the band of the Royal Belgian Guards consisting of 81 persons was permitted to give one concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Permits are only granted in cases where my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the interests of British musicians will not be adversely affected. In this connection I would refer the hon. Member to the replies to questions by the hon. Member for Central Hackney (Sir E. Gower) on 31st January and 11th February last in which my right hon. Friend explained at some length the main conditions governing the grant of permits for alien bands.
§ Sir R. THOMASWhat does the hon. Gentleman mean by giving permission for a short period?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI would refer the hon baronet to the White Paper which was issued on Tuesday—Command Paper 3118, entitled "Procedure Regulating the Entry of Foreigners for Employment in Great Britain."—which gives all the information on this matter.
Sir F. HALLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that conversion is taking place on the Liberal benches at the present time?
§ Mr. DAYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, as far as our bands are concerned, reciprocal treatment is not granted by America and that one very famous English band—Jack Hylton's Band—has been asked not to apply for permission to enter America for the purpose of giving orchestral concerts?
§ Mr. BETTERTONI am not aware of those facts, and I do not understand what the hon. Member means by "our bands."
§ Mr. DAYDoes not the hon. Gentleman understand that I mean our eminent British bands, composed of British artists, which are not permitted to appear in America, and I am asking him to make an investigation to see why our British bands are not allowed into America while he gives permission for American bands to come here.
§ Mr. BETTERTONI can give the same answer to the hon. Member as that which I have just given to the hon. baronet the Member for Anglesea (Sir B. Thomas). All the information relative to this matter is contained in the White Paper.
§ Sir R. THOMASIs the hon. Gentleman not assuming in his answer that there are no British musicians out of employment, and is he aware that a large number of British musicians are out of work?
§ Mr. BETTERTONIf the hon. baronet reads the White Paper, he will see to what extent we go in order to safeguard the interests of those who are out of employment in this country.
§ Mr. MONTAGUEDoes the hon. Gentleman appreciate the point that the Liberal party do not believe in Safeguarding?