HC Deb 23 April 1953 vol 514 cc71-2W
50. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Labour why a permit was issued recently in contravention of existing quota agreements to a foreign ventriloquist in a production at the London Casino, details of which have been sent him, although the names of equally suitable British ventriloquists were submitted by the Variety Artistes' Federation.

Sir W. Monckton

The maximum proportion of foreign acts permitted in variety shows is regulated by a quota recognised by the parties concerned and is not therefore dependent on the availability of British artistes.

Shortly before the London Casino production was due to open and after the issue of permits for the foreign artistes, including the ventriloquist, there was some disagreement between the management and the Variety Artistes' Federation on whether the production came within the scope of the existing agreement on the quota. I understand that there are to be early discussions with a view to clarifying the scope of the agreement.