HC Deb 21 July 1938 vol 338 cc2391-2
4. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Labour how many foreign cinema technicians are now working with permits in this country and the maximum and average length of time allowed by such permits; and how many British cinema technicians are at present unemployed?

Mr. E. Brown

According to the records of my Department, the number of foreign nationals under conditions as to their stay in the United Kingdom who have permission to be employed as technicians in film production is 24. This figure does not include producers, directors, scenario writers and specialists in other than technical work, of whom there are 23 with permission to be employed at the present time. Permits for the employment of foreign nationals from abroad are granted for varying periods, in no case exceeding 12 months in the first instance, and are frequently limited to the duration of a particular production. With regard to the last part of the question, cinema technicians are not separately distinguished in the statistics of unemployment which are compiled by my Department.

Mr. Sorensen

In view of the fact that there is undoubtedly a large number of cinema technicians unemployed, would the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that no permits will be issued for foreign technicians while we have technicians suitable for the jobs?

Mr. Brown

Of course, that it my normal duty under the law, and it is carried out always in terms of each individual case.

Mr. Sorensen

Is it not a fact that there are complaints regarding the number of foreign technicians?

Mr. Brown

There may be complaints, but complaints are not always well grounded, and those which receive most publicity are often the least well grounded.

Mr. Ellis Smith

Is not the spirit of the supplementary questions inconsistent with the best traditions of this country?