asked the Minister of Labour the number of alien musicians to whom permits have been granted to land in Great Britain for the 12 months ending 31st May, 1925; if applications have been received from any further alien musicians to land in Great Britain in June, July, August and September; and, if so, will he state the number of applications so received and for what period they are required and will be granted?

During the 12 months ended 31st May, 1925, permits under Article 1 (3) (b) of the Aliens Order, 1920, were granted in respect of 131 musicians. This figure does not include vocalists, but includes all players of musical instruments, whether stage performers, vaudeville artists, concert artists or members of bands or orchestras. The permission given in each case was limited as to time, the periods varying from one week to six months. Applications have been received for permission to engage 32 alien musicians for periods during June, July, August and September. Of these 10 have been granted for six weeks and one for one week, 11 will shortly be granted for eight weeks and 10 have been refused.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the bringing in of these foreign bands is creating an enormous amount of unemployment among our own bands?

This policy has often been considered, and an attempt has been made to harmonise it with the existing position of affairs by making arrangements so that bands should consist of equal numbers of persons brought in and otherwise, so as to make the best of both worlds—to serve the interests of music and to give employment.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British bands that he speaks of which are supposed to be given employment when these permits are granted to foreign bands generally consist of a majority of aliens?

No, Sir.

Are not we to suppose that people want to listen to this music —that if they did not these bands would have to go back, because people would not pay to hear them?

Are there not fewer of these bands coming in now than came in under the late Government?