§ Sir Brandon Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Employment on how many occasions since 1970 he has received applications for work permits for orchestras to enter the United Kingdom temporarily to give more than two concerts in inner London; and which orchestras have been granted permits and which have been refused.
§ Mr. WaddingtonAs far as I am aware only one application has been received since 1970 for more than two concerts in inner London by a visiting orchestra in a single visit. This application was for a proposed series of five concerts at the Royal Festival Hall by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra in 1983 and has been refused, while it has been made clear that two concerts in inner London would be acceptable.
§ Sir Brandon Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for employment on what criteria he makes decisions on applications for work permits for visiting overseas orchestras; and whether the number of concerts to be given in inner London is a factor.
§ Mr. WaddingtonIn general, work permits for members of visiting overseas orchestras are issued only when the following conditions are met:
- (i) when the orchestra has an international reputation and;
- (ii) its visit would not adversely affect the employment opportunities of resident orchestras, and
- (iii) The fees to be paid would not undercut those for resident orchestras.
The number of concerts to be given in inner London is a factor to be taken into account together with any other circumstances which may be relevant.