§ Mr. Lomasasked the Minister of Labour if, in view of the fact that British artistes, such as Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders, the Zombies, the Animals, and Freddie and the Dreamers, have been refused admission to the United States of America or issued only with H(ii) visas, he will restrict work permits to American singers and groups to work in this country.
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§ Mr. GunterI do not contemplate any change in our present arrangements. Permits for foreign variety artistes to accept professional engagements in this country are issued in consultation with the industry, which is guided by a Control Agreement of the Variety and Allied Entertainment Council of Great Britain. This Council represents both sides of the industry and the Agreement approved by them and reviewed as recently as August, 1963, contains the conditions under which foreign artistes may be employed here. Groups consisting exclusively of instrumentalists are subject to reciprocal exchange arrangements. Permits are issued after consultation with the Musicians Union.