§ 1. Mr. Grovesasked the Minister of Labour what number of foreign boxers he has recommended the Home Office to enter this country in the last five years; and what organisations or societies are consulted before permits are granted?
§ Mr. E. BrownI regret that I am unable to give separate figures to show the number of foreign boxers given permission to engage in contests in this country 538 during the years in question, but the figures for boxers and wrestlers together were as follow:
As to the second part of the question, applications for permits are submitted to my Department through the British Boxing Board of Control, which is, I understand, the governing body of the sport.
1932 170 1933 167 1934 205 1935 212 1936 206
§ Mr. J. GriffithsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that as things are going, South Wales will welcome any foreign boxers in this country?
§ Mr. GrovesWill the right hon. Gentleman consider receiving a deputation from the National Union of Boxers? Can he say whether he has refused to receive a deputation from this body, and if so, why?
§ Mr. BrownRepresentations have been made on many occasions by this union, but they have always been informed that it is better to deal with one joint body representing all the interests. As the hon. Member knows, the board is a body which has 25 stewards, and many of them represent the boxers.
§ Mr. GrovesAs they represent the boxers, would it not be a joint body if they and the board came together?
§ Mr. BrownThe hon. Member must bear in mind that the Board of Control consists of the president, two vice-presidents, and not more than 25 stewards. A number of the stewards are appointed by the local council on which the boxers are directly represented.