HC Deb 12 October 1944 vol 403 cc1935-6
67. Professor Savory

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the figures published by the Eire Department of Industry and Commerce, showing that the following citizens of Eire have emigrated for work to Great Britain and Northern Ireland: 1941, 35,132; 1942, 51,711; 1943, 48,324; how many of these have gone to Great Britain and how many to Northern Ireland; and what is the length of the period which they are allowed to reside in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, respectively.

Mr. H. Morrison

Separate figures have not as I understand been published showing how many of the persons in question have come into Great Britain and how many into Northern Ireland, and it would be better for the present that such figures should not be made public. The entry into Great Britain of temporary workers from Eire is strictly controlled. Permits are granted for an initial period of three or six months according to the nature of the employment, and the granting of further extensions is subject to satisfactory work and conduct. As regards Northern Ireland, I am informed that since the Residence (Northern Ireland) Restriction Order came into operation the usual practice has been to grant permits for residence in Northern Ireland for an initial period of six months, and a similar period is normally allowed in cases where permits are renewed.

Professor Savory

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that at the close of the last war members of the Ulster Division, on returning to Belfast, found their posts occupied by immigrants from Southern Ireland? Is he satisfied that such an occurrence will be prevented on this occasion?

Mr. Morrison

I understand that that consideration was kept in mind when the Northern Ireland Government caused the Order to be made. If the matter is to be raised, I think it would be best raised by the Northern Ireland Government with the United Kingdom Government.