§ Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Labour whether he can state the number of permits granted by his Department to 2198W foreign musicians to enter Great Britain and accept engagements therein for the 12 months ended to the last convenient date; has he any information of British orchestral attractions that have been refused permission to appear in foreign countries during this period; and, if so, will he give particulars?
§ Mr. BETTERTONThe number of foreign musicians (instrumentalists) admitted between the 1st April, 1928 and 31st March, 1929, was 52. In addition, the Royal Belgian Guards, consisting of 81 persons, were permitted to give one concert in London. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.
§ Sir W. de FRECEasked the Minister of Labour seeing that the Jack Hylton band has been refused permission to play in America, and in view of the number of American bands or musicians which have been allowed to come to this country in the last three years, whether he will consider the need for reciprocity in issuing any further permits to enter this country to American musicians?
§ Mr. BETTERTONMy right hon. Friend has no information which leads him to think that it is necessary to change the policy hitherto adopted in this matter. I would refer my hon. Friend to Command Paper 3318, which sets out in some detail the conditions imposed regarding the entry of foreign bands to this country.