§ 4. Mr. TOOLEasked the Minister of Labour whether she is aware that since the 1st May last eight foreign bands have been allowed to enter this country to take up employment; and whether she is willing to consider placing an embargo upon such bands until such time as unemployment is less prevalent amongst British musicians?
§ Miss BONDFIELDAs stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Ilford (Sir G. Hamilton) last week, I 1213 am satisfied that the entry of foreign musicians is being limited to the fullest extent which is justifiable. I may mention that the permits for the bands to which my hon. Friend refers were limited to periods of two months in four cases, three months in three cases and four months in the remaining case.
§ Mr. TOOLEWould the right hon. Lady at her convenience be willing to meet a deputation from the Musicians' Union?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI have frequently met deputations from the Musicians' Union on this subject.
§ Mr. TOOLEI did not ask whether she had met deputations of the Musicians' Union, but whether she would meet an other deputation from the union?
§ Miss BONDFIELDPerhaps I might explain to the hon. Member that the Musicians' Union is in constant communication with my Department.