§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Minister of Labour (1) what is the number of alien musicians now practising their profession in this country;
(2) whether, having regard to the number of British musicians now out of employment in this country, she will consider the desirability of cancelling the permits of alien musicians now practising their profession here and of refusing future permits to alien musicians to enter this country for the purpose of practising their profession;
(3) the number of alien musicians to whom permits were granted to enter and practise their profession in this country during the six months preceding 30th May, 1929, and 31st January, 1930, respectively?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe lumber of alien musicians in respect of whom permits were issued in the periods in question were:
2113WSix months to 31st May, 1929.
Band Musicians … … 43 Concert Artistes … … 158 Six months to 31st January, 1930.
Band Musicians … … 50 Concert Artistes … … 257 The last mentioned figure includes the permits granted in respect of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, consisting of 100 persons who were admitted for three performances in November last. Most permits are granted for very short periods only. I regret that I have no information as to the total number of alien musicians employed in this country. In issuing permits in respect of alien musicians, all possible steps are taken to safeguard the interests of British musicians. In this connection I would remind the, hon. Member of the reply given to him on 11th February, 1929, from which he will see the kind of conditions which are imposed, and in particular those relating to the employment of British musicians in cases in which it is proposed to engage a band of alien musicians to play for dancing. As regards the further restriction of the issue of permits in respect of alien musicians, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 21st November last to the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day).