§ 62. Sir K. WOODasked the Minister of Labour the conditions under which alien musicians are permitted to remain in this country; whether he has received any recent protests against their employment; whether she is aware that there is considerable unemployment amongst British musicians; and the conditions under which she has permitted Mr. Aaronson and J. Harris to remain in this country?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe conditions under which alien musicians are admitted to this country for employment and permitted to remain in employment are referred to in a reply given to the hon. Member for Gillingham (Sir R. Gower) on the 11th February, 1929. I am sending a copy of that reply to the right hon. Gentleman for his information. Representations are made to the Department from time to time regarding the employment of alien musicians and regarding unemployment amongst British musicians, and such representations receive very careful consideration in connection with the issue or extension of permits. With regard to the last part of the question Mr. A. H. Aronsohn, to whom I assume the right hon. Gentleman refers, has, I understand, been resident in the country for a number of years and is not subject to any conditions imposed by my Department. Mr. Harris is subject to the usual conditions imposed on alien musicians in so far as he is in employment on a salaried basis.
§ Sir K. WOODDoes the Minister not think that the time has now arrived, in view of the increase in unemployment among musicians in this country, when she should review the whole position; and has she not recently received a protest from a number of musicians who are unable to obtain employment but see their places taken by alien musicians?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe fact is that to the deputation evidence was given as to the very small number of permits given, and the facts are constantly under review.
§ Mr. LEIF JONESWill the Minister at the same time consider the propriety of excluding alien music from this country?