HC Deb 20 November 1940 vol 365 cc2012-3W
Sir R. Young

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that workmen belonging to Northern Ireland working with British engineering and shipbuilding firms complied with the request that such men should forego their holidays, and are now unable to visit their homes and families owing to permits for return to their country having been cancelled; and, as rest periods have been granted to men residing long distances from their homes in Scotland and Wales, will he make some arrangement whereby natives of Northern Ireland may enjoy similar facilities and see their families?

Mr. H. Morrison

I am aware that the restrictions on travel between this country and Ireland, which were imposed for reasons of national security, result in hardship in certain cases, but the whole question is being reviewed and I hope to be in a position to make a statement very shortly.

Dr. Little

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that nurses from Northern Ireland have been refused permits to enable them to spend their holidays with their friends; others, when ill, have been unable to obtain permits to travel home in order to recuperate their health, and, because of this, many of them have been compelled to resign their positions for health reasons; and whether he will arrange for travel permits to be granted to these nurses?

Mr. Morrison

I propose to make a public statement on the subject of travel between this country and Ireland in the course of a few days.

Forward to