§ 22. Mr. Fieldasked the Minister of Labour on what grounds the German actress Sonja Ziemann was granted a permit to work in this country; and whether the appropriate professional organisation was consulted before issuing the permit.
§ Sir W. MoncktonA permit for Miss Ziemann was granted on application by a film company who wished to engage her for a foreign part in a film to be made in this country. My Department was satisfied, after inquiries, that her employment was reasonable and necessary in the circumstances. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.
§ Mr. FieldWill the Minister bear in mind when issuing these permits that there are a large number of British artists out of work at present, especially in this type of acting—British naturalised actors—who could perform these roles, and does he not think it desirable that films which are assisted financially in part by the British taxpayer should give employment to British people so far as possible?
§ Sir W. MoncktonThe precautions taken in this case were that the names of resident artists were considered, and they were found either unavailable or unsuitable. We did consult the British Actors Equity Association, who raised no objection.