§ 11. Mr. DORANasked the Minister of Labour the number and duration of permits granted to individuals who have been expelled from Germany during the past 18 months under the respective headings of workers in the cinema industry and workers in other industries?
Mr. HUDSONThe number of permits issued in respect of German nationals during 1932 was 2,954, and for the first 10 months of 1933 was 2,059. The numbers relating to employment in the cinema industry, excluding actors and actresses, were 22 and 30 respectively. The duration of the permits vary from one week to 12 months according to circumstances. I do not know whether any of these individuals had been expelled from Germany.
§ Mr. DORANIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that there are thousands of very capable artistes walking the streets of London practically starving; and does not he consider that it is a scandalous and wicked shame that those people are allowed to come here and take the bread and butter out of the mouths of our own people?
Sir NAIRNE STEWART SANDEMANIs it not a fact that these men are very highly skilled and are teaching people in this country their job?
§ 12. Mr. DORANasked the Minister of Labour how many permits granted to aliens to work in this country are still in force; and in how many cases have they been extended an the strength of requests from firms and employers?
Mr. HUDSONThe available records do not enable me to give exact figures but it is probable that the number of foreigners now in this country under permit is less than 12,000. The period covered by a permit may vary from one week to 12 months; extensions are granted only where the employer is able to show that the continued employment of the foreigner is necessary.
§ Mr. DORANIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that many of the alien firms in this country are making application for these people on the ground that they are indispensable, and that our own commercial travellers are being driven off the road because they work on cut prices?
Mr. HUDSONIt is possible that they may make application on the ground that they are indispensable, but my Department is responsible for seeing that they prove their case, and, if they do not prove their case, a permit is not issued.
§ Mr. DORANIn view of the unsatisfactory answers given to my questions, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment.
§ 19. Mr. DORANasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of alien film artistes, producers, etc., who have been expelled from Germany during the past 18 months to whom his Department have granted permission to land in this country; and if such permission has been given in co-operation with the Ministry of Labour?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)The information asked for in the first part of the question is not available. A foreigner desirous of entering the service of an employer cannot be granted permission to land unless he is in possession of a permit issued by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and as regards permits issued in respect of persons engaged in the cinema industry, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply already given by my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. DORANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that one of these persons now performing at Elstree was interned during the War as an enemy alien? Is there any reason why we, the good British taxpayers, should keep him any longer?