HC Deb 10 February 1944 vol 396 cc1892-3
31. Dr. Little

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, as difficulties have arisen and disappointment has been caused by the refusal of the passport officials to issue permits to Canadians serving in His Majesty's Forces in Great Britain, he will arrange for travel permits to be granted to enable them to spend their leave with friends in Northern Ireland.

Mr. H. Morrison

Members of the Canadian Forces in Great Britain are subject to the same rules regarding taking leave in Northern Ireland as other Service personnel. No applications to the Passport and Permit Office from Canadian Service personnel for permits to visit Northern Ireland can be traced. If any were made, the applicant would be referred to his Commanding Officer, with whom the question of granting the necessary leave pass rests.

Dr. Little

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a young man serving in the Canadian Forces recently made arrangements to spend his leave with his sister in County Down, Northern Ireland, and that this was cancelled at the last moment? He was debarred on the ground that his father and mother had passed away. I think it is intolerable, and I would ask my right hon. Friend to see that this question of permits to Canadian Servicemen is investigated.