§ 65. Dr. Littleasked the Home Secretary whether he will arrange that Northern Ireland war workers in Britain whose parents are dead, but who have sisters or brothers alive, will receive permits to enable them to visit these friends in Northern Ireland twice each year?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonPersons who have come to Great Britain from any part of Ireland since the outbreak of war for the purpose of engaging in temporary war work can obtain exit permits to enable them to visit their homes or friends in Ireland not more than twice during a period of 12 months, but this concession does not apply to persons who came here 2101 before the war, and I regret that I cannot see my way to extend it to them?
§ Dr. LittleBut if the parents are dead, can brothers and sisters visit one another?
§ Mr. MorrisonIf they came here since the war they are able to visit their homes or friends in Ireland not more than twice during the 12 months, but that provision does not extend to those who came before the war.
§ Professor SavoryDid not the right hon. Gentleman say that it does not apply to brothers visiting sisters and sisters visiting brothers? Was not that the last answer he made on the point, and is it not a fact that many brothers have been refused permission to visit their sisters and sisters to visit their brothers?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt may be so. There are certain restrictions on visits.
§ Professor SavoryWould it not be possible as a practical suggestion to reduce the period of six weeks which the right hon. Gentleman is now allowing before exacting the passport with photograph? Does he not think this is rather too long, and that with advantage that period of six weeks could be reduced?
§ Mr. MorrisonI think we had better watch how it works. In the meantime the scheme now in operation has been agreed with the Northern Ireland Government.