§ 24. Dr. Littleasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the serious inconvenience caused by the restrictions imposed on travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, he will so modify these restrictions that people well affected to the State who can give a satisfactory reason for their travelling, and members of His Majesty's Forces on leave, will have all unnecessary hindrances removed to their journeying in either direction?
§ Sir J. AndersonI regret the inconvenience caused to the public by the restrictions which it has been necessary to impose on travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, but it is imperative that, during the present emergency, all forms of unnecessary travel shall be reduced as far as possible. No hindrances are placed in the way of persons who satisfy the permit authorities in Great Britain or Northern Ireland that it is necessary for them to travel in either direction on business of national importance, but it would not be in the public interest to allow unrestricted travel facilities between Great Britain and Northern Ireland for private reasons. The restrictions do not apply to members of His Majesty's Forces.
§ Mr. HicksIn the case of men from Northern Ireland who have come over here to work in the building industry and have not been able to get back home for nine months, will they be justified in making an application to enable them to return to their families?
§ Sir J. AndersonCertainly, Sir. Special consideration will be given to people who wish to return home.
§ Dr. LittleWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, I am anxious that my right hon. Friend will make it as easy as possible for students in this country to get back to their homes for a holiday and return to their studies.
§ Sir J. AndersonI am afraid that in the enforcement of general regulations of this kind it is impossible to avoid cases of hardship, but I can assure the hon. Member that every effort is being made to reduce cases of hardship as far as possible.