HC Deb 06 May 1937 vol 323 cc1257-8W
Mr. McEntee

asked the Minister of Labour whether it is the practice of his department to issue permits for the introduction of foreign boxers solely upon the recommendation of the Boxing Board of Control; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that this board is mainly representative of promoting interests rather than of British boxers, he will give instructions that in future representations from the National Union of Boxers will be taken into consideration?

Mr. E. Brown

Under existing arrangements all applications for permits for foreign boxers are submitted to my Department through the British Boxing Board of Control, which is the govern- ing body of the sport and represents all the interests concerned. The board of the governing body is, I understand, composed of stewards, none of whom is financially interested in the sport, and a number of them are nominated by the Local Councils on which boxers as well as promoters and other interested parties are directly represented. In view of the status and constitution of the British Boxing Board of Control my Department's relationship with that body is, I think, the right one. If it is suggested that the interest of British boxers are inadequately represented on the governing body, this would appear to be a matter to be pursued directly with the board.

Mr. McEntee

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will state, in connection with the Coronation festivities, how many additional permits have been issued for the introduction of foreign waiters; and whether this policy will be reconsidered, in view of the increasing difficulty experienced by British waiters in finding employment?

Mr. E. Brown

The policy of my Department governing the issue of permits for the introduction of foreigners for employment in hotels and restaurants remains as stated in my reply to the hon. Member for Workington (Mr. Cape) on 5th November last. In accordance with that policy, 15 permits to expire on 31st July next have, on proof that the posts could not be filled from within the country, been issued in respect of the employment during the Coronation season of maitres d'hotel and head waiters, and no permits have been issued in respect of ordinary skilled waiters.