HC Deb 01 July 1943 vol 390 cc1785-6
67. Dr. Little

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider the granting of travel permits to civil servants and other persons from Northern Ireland, who have not been permitted to visit their homes and relations for two or more years, in order to enable them to travel to Ulster to visit their friends?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

It is necessary to limit travel between this country and Ireland, and it has not been found possible to allow home visits to Ireland by persons resident in Great Britain except for the purpose of visiting parents, children, husbands or wives. Any wider definition of "home" would make so many persons eligible for travel that control could not be maintained.

Dr. Little

If, as I have been informed, it is now possible for a worker, on presentation of a statement from his employer that he is going on leave, to obtain a travel permit, will the right hon. Gentleman institute the same procedure for those in the Civil Service and other Government employment? It would be only just and right.

Mr. Morrison

I am afraid I cannot give that undertaking.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir William Allen

With regard to these permits; sometimes they are granted almost on the date on which the boat sails, Although permits have been asked for weeks previously, it is not until the lust minute that they are granted. Would the right hon. Gentleman try to speed that up?

Mr. Morrison

I think the hon. and gallant Member had better give me particulars of those cases, but he may find that the people were late in making the application.