Miss Rathboneasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that considerable difficulties are being experienced by persons whose homes are either in Northern Ireland or in Eire but who need to travel to and from Great Britain because their place of employment or the universities at which they are studying is there situated, or for some other legitimate reason; where such person so domiciled should apply for the necessary permission; and what steps they should take if permission is refused or unreasonably delayed?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonNo difficulties are placed in the way of persons who have homes in Northern Ireland or Eire and who satisfy the permit authorities that they wish to travel to his country to engage in work of national importance or to complete their studies. I am aware that the general restrictions on travel between the two countries which were imposed on grounds of national security result in hardship and inconvenience. Some relaxations have already been allowed, but the whole question is under active consideration and I hope to be able to make a statement at an early date. As regards the second part of the Question, applications for permits for travel to this country should be made to the Northern Ireland Permit Office, Waring Street, Belfast, in the case of persons in Northern Ireland, and to the United Kingdom Permit Office, 30, Merrion Square, Dublin, in the case of persons in Eire. Applications for permits for travel to Ireland should be made, in all cases, to the Passport and Permit Office, 1, Queen Anne's Gate Buildings, Dartmouth Street, S.W.1. I can assure the hon. Member that all applications are given very careful consideration and are dealt with as expeditiously as possible.