§ 54. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Labour if he is aware of the depression in the amusement world and that many of the workers and artistes cannot find employment; whether he will state the reasons why his Department has recommended the granting of permits for the entry of a German circus to make a tour of this country; and whether, seeing that there are three English circuses now working this country, he will cancel the proposed permits?
§ 53. Mr. NEIL MACLEANasked the Minister of Labour on what grounds he has granted a permit to a foreign circus to tour this country and give performances; whether he can state the number of artistes accompanying the circus; how long the permit extends; and whether there are any unemployed circus performers in this country?
§ 55. Sir COOPER RAWSONasked the Minister of Labour how long and under what conditions permission is being granted to the German circus, Gleich, to enter this country and give performances?
§ 56. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Labour whether, in recommending the granting of a permit to enable a German circus to go on tour through Great Britain, he took into consideration the number of British circus artistes who are out of employment and the efforts which have recently been made to secure employment for them in touring British circuses?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of LABOUR (Mr. R. S. Hudson)My right hon. Friend's decision to issue permits in respect of the circus Gleich was taken on the ground that its admission would provide additional employment for British workers. On the information before him he has no reason to think that its admission would prejudice the interests of similar entertainers in this country. The permits will be issued for a period of six months, subject to satisfactory assurances as to the number of British workers, including artistes, to be engaged. I cannot yet give the exact numbers.
§ Mr. GROVESHas the hon. Gentleman accepted assurances from this German circus that they will employ only British labour; and is he aware that the orchestra itself comprises the people who, while they work the pulleys of the tents, are also musicians, who get into this country under that pretext?
§ Mr. HUDSONVery great care will be taken by my right hon. Friend to see that the maximum number of British workmen are employed by this circus.
§ Mr. HANNONHas any inquiry been made as to whether the Germans will reciprocate and allow our circuses to travel in Germany?
§ Sir C. RAWSONIs the hon. Gentleman aware that a great deal of this circus consists of performing animals—much more so than British circuses, which have tried to limit animal performances?
§ Mr. HUDSONI have no information on that point.
§ Mr. GROVESIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the hon. Gentleman's replies and the information in my possession, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the first possible opportunity.