§ 3. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Minister of Labour the nature of the employment of the 247 Russians who were admitted to this country during 1930 with Ministry of Labour permits; and how many of this number are still resident here?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe 247 Russians admitted to this country under Ministry of Labour permits, including four whose employment, after arrival, was agreed to by the Ministry, may be divided for employment purposes as follows: 80 concert artists, 139 theatre, cabaret and music hall artists, 4 film artists, 4 clerical workers, 3 teachers, 9 domestics and 8 miscellaneous. I am afraid I cannot give exact figures in answer to the second 1361 part of the question, but the number still resident forms a very small proportion of the total. I should add that the number covered by these permits includes natives of Russia who are not nationals of the Union of Socialist Soviet Republics but hold League of Nations certificates.
§ Mr. SMITHERSIn view of the unemployment in the theatrical profession at this time, is it advisable to continue to allow aliens to come into this country and take work away from our people?
§ Miss BONDFIELDWe have a very good arrangement now with regard to that matter.