§ 6. Mr. C. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Labour what was the cause of the rise from 18 in 1928 to 127 in 1929 of the number of foreign musicians who were given permits to enter this country?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThese numbers fluctuate considerably from year to year. I can give no explanation of the increase in 1929 apart from the fact that a greater number of applications for permits were made than in 1928. In 1930 the corresponding figure was 105.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes the right hon. Lady propose to continue encouraging the issue of permits for foreign labour, and will she carry it to other trades as well?
§ Miss BONDFIELDI purpose to continue discouraging it.
§ Captain CAZALETIs it not a fact that in some cases in which these permits are granted it is not possible to organise English performers at all?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThat is the main consideration in issuing permits.
§ Mr. DAYCan my right hon. Friend say whether it is not a fact that all these permits are granted only to specialists, and not to ordinary musicians?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThat is so.