§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Home Secretary the number of permits to enter and carry on their profession in this country issued to alien musicians during the last two years; and whether, having regard to the number of British musicians now unemployed, he will consider the desirability of cancelling any such permits as may now be operative and not issuing others?
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDI have been asked to reply. The number of permits issued in respect of alien musicians (other than concert vocalists and instrumentalists) for the years 1927 and 1928, was as follows:
1150W I would add in respect of the permits granted for 1928, that they include an alien band numbering 81 people who were here for a matter of a few days only, giving concert performances. When it is decided to issue permits in respect of alien musicians, conditions are imposed to safeguard the interests of British musicians. I am unaware of any case in which the entry of an alien musician or an alien band has resulted in a British musician becoming unemployed. As a rule alien bands are engaged as temporary attractions in addition to the band normally employed at the particular establishment. They are also permitted to enter the country to accept short engagements at music halls. In these circumstances, I cannot act as suggested in the last part of the Question.
- 1927—granted 67, refused 15.
- 1928—granted 120, refused 16.