§ 26. Professor Savoryasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is prepared to relax any of the existing drastic restrictions on travel to and from Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI regret that the time has not come when it is possible to withdraw the ban on travel to and from Ireland which was imposed for operational reasons. His Majesty's Government, however, realise that hardship and inconvenience have been caused to certain classes of persons by the ban which has been in force for four months, and, with a view to mitigating such hardship and inconvenience, I am prepared to consider applications made by persons who desire to travel on business of national importance recommended by a Government Department, a chamber of commerce or a trade organisation, or, in consultation with the appropriate Government Department, applications made by women, children, aged or infirm persons from London and evacuable areas subject to attack by flying bombs, who can arrange to take up residence with relatives or friends in Ireland.
§ Professor SavoryWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his invariable kindly sympathy to the hardships imposed by the ban on travel to Northern Ireland, may I ask whether the concessions include the case of expectant mothers to whom I have already drawn his attention, who have already booked rooms in nursing homes in Northern Ireland, not having been able to obtain accommodation in this country?
§ Mr. MorrisonMy impression is that certainly they will be within the category.
§ Mr. BowlesThe reply refers to people travelling to Northern Ireland. Does it also apply to those who are travelling back from Northern Ireland, and are applications to be made to the Home Office?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, in miscellaneous cases. In cases of national importance they should also apply to the appropriate 1882 Government Department, which would make observations to me as to whether we should let them go or not.