§ 40. Sir F. Medlicottasked the Minister of Labour on what grounds the United States singer Mr. Jerry Lee Lewis was 421 recently given a permit to enter this country for a six-week tour of theatres and music-halls.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodA permit was issued for this man under quota arrangements which have been agreed by my Department and with the Variety and Allied Entertainment Council of Great Britain for the employment of foreign variety artistes.
§ Sir F. MedlicottIs my right hon. Friend aware that great offence was caused to many people by the arrival of this man, with his 13-year old bride, especially bearing in mind the difficulty that others have in obtaining permission to work here? Will he remember also that we have more than enough "rock-'n'-roll" entertainers of our own without importing them from overseas?
§ Mr. MacleodThis was, of course, a thoroughly unpleasant case, which was ended by the cancellation of the contract and the disappearance of the man. But, at the time the matter was before my officers, it was purely a question of a permit for employment, and his case was treated under the ordinary arrangements which apply to anybody.