HC Deb 02 November 1944 vol 404 cc950-1
43. Mr. Buchanan

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now consider granting permits to persons wishing to travel to Eire or Northern Ireland who have a house in either part of the country, have not been able to visit it for five years and have now business adjustments to make.

Mr. H. Morrison

It is the established practice to consider sympathetically exit permit applications from owners of houses in Ireland to visit their property for business purposes, provided satisfactory evidence is produced that personal attendance is necessary in order to avoid financial hardship or loss, and that the business cannot be done by an agent.

Mr. Buchanan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some people of modest means have houses there, and will he see that his officials give them the same consideration as is given to people who may be interested in bigger businesses?

Mr. Morrison

I can assure my hon. Friend, and I know my officers realise it, that I should not wish people of limited means or circumstances to be considered any worse than people who are better off. The point that my hon. Friend makes will certainly be passed on.