HC Deb 04 July 1940 vol 362 c1006
62. Dr. Little

asked the Home Secretary whether, as the school holiday season is now approaching in Great Britain, he will make satisfactory arrangements whereby teachers and students from Northern Ireland with the least inconvenience, and without obstacles being placed in their way, will receive passports to enable them to return home for their holidays?

Sir J. Anderson

Persons desiring to travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland must be in possession of an exit permit for the journey, and on grounds of national security the grant of exit permits is, in general, limited to persons who satisfy the permit authorities that it is necessary for them to travel on business of national importance. I am glad, however, to be able to inform my hon. Friend that I have decided to make an exception in the case of students who are domiciled in Northern Ireland so as to allow of their being granted exit permits for return to their homes for the holidays. Applications for exit permits should be made at least two weeks before the date on which the student wishes to travel to Northern Ireland. I regret that I have not felt justified in authorising any departure from the general rule in the case of teachers who are domiciled in Northern Ireland.

Dr. Little

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his utmost to obviate all hardships?

Sir J. Anderson

Some hardship is inseparable in the restriction of traffic.