§ 54. Dr. Littleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will arrange with passport officials to grant travel permits to ministers and evangelists who have already promised to speak at religious conventions and conferences in Northern Ireland for which all arrangements have been made.
Mr. MorrisonIn accordance with the terms of the Government announcement made on March 13th, those who have already obtained permits to go to Northern Ireland will be allowed to use them. The others do not come within the exceptions specified in the announcement and I regret that I cannot single them out for any exceptional treatment.
§ Dr. LittleIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these ministers and evangelists are reaching thousands in Northern Ireland, where we are passing through a very testing time at the moment? They are encouraging people to be strong in the Lord, to pray and work for the war and to hasten the day of victory—and I think he should let them cross.
§ Sir Hugh O'NeillWill the right hon. Gentleman allow me to thank him for his courtesy in receiving a deputation, and to ask him one further question? Will he give an assurance that the travel ban is temporary and will be removed as soon as circumstances make it possible?
Mr. MorrisonI am very much obliged to my right hon. Friend. Certainly, I can give a categorical assurance, as far as I and the Government are concerned, that it will give us great pleasure, when circumstances permit, to remove this ban at the earliest possible moment.