§ 8. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what authority, and for what purpose, officials of his Department in- 333 sist upon production of passports or other documents by persons travelling from England to Ulster and vice versa.
§ Mr. EdeThe authority is contained in the Aliens Restriction Acts and in the Emergency Laws (Transitional Provisions) Act which continued Defence Regulation 18. The purpose of requiring British subjects who are normally resident in Great Britain or Northern Ireland to carry either travel identity cards or passports is to enable them to be distinguished at sight from other passengers and passed through the control without delay. I am glad to be able to announce the abolition of the fee for the issue of travel identity cards. On and after Monday next, 14th October, these cards will be issued free in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
§ Sir Ronald RossWill the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the parties concerned to expedite the issue of the cards when applied for, because it still takes a very long time?
§ Mr. EdeI will have that point looked into. I had hoped that improvements had been effected and, in fact, on occasions I have received letters indicating that that is so.