§ 7. Mr. Edgar Granvilleasked the Minister of Labour under what regulations dance band musicians of military age are given the opportunity of accepting regular employment in orchestras.
§ Mr. BevinThere are no special regulations affecting the employment of musicians in orchestras or dance bands. As in the case of all other men of military age, applications for deferment or postponement of calling-up on the ground of hardship can be made in respect of such men.
§ Mr. GranvilleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Members of Parliament are receiving complaints from all over the country about able-bodied musicians who are playing regularly in civilian orchestras? As my right hon. Friend has become the Ministerial bulldozer, will he deal with the dance band racket? Does he know about it?
§ Mr. BuchananWithout going into the merits of this question may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will see that, even though they are musicians, they get the law as applied to all conditions of hardship?
§ Commander Locker-LampsonMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, since the number of good musicians in this country is so few, we ought not to encourage them and march to music?