§ 6. Mr. Edgar Granvilleasked the Minister of Labour the present position of members of dance bands; are they classed as essential war workers; and, what is their position when they refuse to make their services available to the B.B.C. for broadcasting.
§ Mr. BevinMembers of dance bands are not classed as essential war workers. The engagement of dance bands for broadcasting is a matter of arrangement between them and the B.B.C, and any obligation of this kind would be taken into account as regards any proposed transfer to other work.
§ Mr. GranvilleDoes that mean that these dance bands are free to choose between playing in a West End restaurant, and broadcasting for millions of listeners, as their contribution to the war effort?
§ Mr. BevinYes, Sir. I have not undertaken the direction of dance bands; I beg my hon. Friend not to put that one on me.