HC Deb 12 April 1945 vol 409 cc1972-3
44. Dr. Little

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, owing to the decided improvement in the war situation, he will make arrangements whereby the granting of exit permits between Great Britain and Northern Ireland will be extended to include a wider circle than at present; and that restrictions on travel will be gradually removed as opportunity for so doing arises.

Mr. H. Morrison

As I have previously informed my hon. Friend, it is the Government's intention to reduce the restrictions upon travel between Great Britain and Northern Ireland to a minimum as soon as circumstances permit. Certain minor relaxations have recently been made, but I regret that I cannot hold out any hope of a substantial change in the present system until after the cessation of hostilities in Europe.

Dr. Little

Is the statement bearing on an extension of the present facilities, which appeared in an Irish newspaper this week, and with which the right hon. Gentleman has been furnished, in accordance with fact; and will he take the earliest opportunity of removing many of these restrictions which have become unbearable to thousands of our people in Great Britain and Northern Ireland?

Mr. Morrison

We have not announced details in connection with these facilities; there were objections, which may pass in due time. I do not think it would be right for me to say whether the newspaper report was accurate or not. The facilities are very well known.