§ 5. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Labour whether applications have been made for the granting of permits to foreign cinema technicians to photograph the Coronation in technicolour; and, if so, how many have been granted?
§ Mr. E. BrownOne application has so far been received for a permit in respect of a foreign cinema technician specifically required for a technicolour film of the Coronation, and this is at present under consideration.
§ Mr. SorensenIn view of the fact that there are over zoo competent British technicians out of work at the moment, can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no foreign technicians will be granted permits to come into this country in order to film the Coronation, finless and until the present heavy number of unemployed men in this trade has been absorbed?
§ Mr. SorensenWill the right hon. Gentleman protect the interests of British workers in this trade?
§ Mr. BuchananCan the right hon. Gentleman also assure the House that he will not be too narrow-minded in this matter?
§ Sir Percy HarrisIs there not a danger that if this policy is strictly applied by us, our own technicians may not be allowed to go to other countries?
§ Mr. BrownI hope that hon. Members above the Gangway will take note of the consideration suggested by the hon. Baronet.
§ Mr. LawsonMay we assume that the right hon. Gentleman will take all relevant considerations into account?
§ 6. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Labour how many permits have been granted to foreign cinema technicians during this year?
§ Mr. BrownFive permits have been granted for foreign cinema technicians during January and February of this year.
§ Mr. SorensenAre we to understand that further permits will be granted?