asked the Minister of Labour whether he will give the number of permits issued to foreign dance bands to enter Great Britain from 1st January, 1931, showing the number of musicians employed in these various bands; whether the permits were for appearance either in music halls or cabaret performances; and the average length of such permits?

No permits have been issued since the 1st January, 1931, to enable foreign bands to come to this country to play for dancing, but three individual foreigners have been granted permission since that date to join British dance bands. Eight bands—comprising 148 individuals—have been admitted since the 1st January, 1931, to play at music hall or cabaret performances. Two of these are still here. The validity of the permits has varied from seven days to three months, but extensions have been granted in some instances.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether extensions have been granted to the three individual permits and for how long? Are they indefinite?

I could not answer that question as regards three individuals without having further inquiries made.

Is there any prospect of reciprocity now from America so as to allow Jack Hylton's and other bands to go there?