§ 2. Mr. BECKETTasked the Minister of Labour how many foreign boxers have been admitted into this country since 1st June, 1929; whether the British Boxing Board of Control were consulted in each case or in any case; whether they advised against the admission of any individual; and, if so, how many and who were they?
§ Miss BONDFIELDSince the 1st June, 1929, permits under the Aliens Order have been issued in respect of 29 boxers. Under an arrangement made last June, the British Boxing Board of Control are consulted in every case in which application for such a permit is made. The abject of the arrangement is to prevent the entry into this country of foreign boxers of no repute who, if admitted, would accept minor boxing engagements which could equally well be undertaken by British boxers, and I understand that, generally speaking, the arrangement is achieving its object. Permits have not been issued 1219 against the advice of the Board in any case which could be regarded as coming within the objects of the arrangement.
§ Mr. BECKETTCan the right hon. Member tell me whether she has satisfied herself that the British Boxing Board of Control has no other interest in this matter except a desire to safeguard this country against disreputable foreigners?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThat is so.
§ Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHTWill the right hon. Lady tell me what in her opinion are "boxers of no repute"?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask the right hon. Member whether she is quite satisfied that no obstacle is being placed in the way of respectable men coming here in the course of international sport in which Britishers take part in foreign countries?
§ Mr. BECKETTBefore the Minister of Labour replies, may I ask whether she is aware that on a recent visit of a famous American boxer, a champion of the world, this Boxing Board of Control announced that they would not give a permit, as they have a bias against him?
§ Miss BONDFIELDIn that case, a permit was given.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Lady quite satisfied that her Department is not being used for the protection of British boxers?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEOn a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. May I draw your attention to the fact that we have had a series of supplementary questions at the beginning of questions?
§ 3. Mr. BECKETTasked the Minister of Labour whether any foreign boxers admitted into this country on the advice of the British Boxing Board of Control are still here; and, if so, how many and what are their names?
§ Miss BONDFIELDAccording to the information available in my Department, no foreign boxer admitted on or before 31st October under a permit issued under the Aliens Order is now in the country.