asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in regard to his refusal to allow prisoners of war to take part in concerts and other entertainments where an admission charge is made and the proceeds are for some charitable, religious or relief objective, he will distinguish between those cases in which, on the one hand, paid professionals would be employed and, on the other, unpaid amateurs.

My hon. Friend will appreciate that it would be very difficult to decide whether professionals or amateurs would have been employed at an entertainment if prisoners of war had not been available. I regret, therefore, that his suggestion is not practicable.

Could not the test be whether those taking part in the concert are paid or not?

Of course, one could apply several tests. I do not think a test has anything to do with it.

Having regard to the fact that it is easy to distinguish between those who are paid and those who are not paid, Will not my right hon. Friend look at this matter again, because in country districts it is particularly hard on charitable organisations to inflict this penalty on them?

I will look into it.

Vice-Admiral Taylor:

Cannot those responsible for getting up entertainments for charitable purposes certify that those taking part are, or are not, paid?

I would like to see that question on the Order Paper.