HC Deb 19 December 1944 vol 406 cc1640-1W
Sir R. Ross

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport whether he is aware that shipping available between Great Britain and Northern Ireland is at present inadequate, even to carry those who have exit permits; that schoolchildren, students, hospital nurses and other classes cannot get sailing tickets till towards or after the end of their holidays; and, in view of these circumstances, whether special arrangements can be made to overcome this shortage as was done when the evacuees from Gibraltar were sent to Northern Ireland.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I regret that a number of applicants have been unable to obtain sailing tickets for travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland in time for Christmas. The additional sailings on the Heysham-Belfast route, to which I referred in my answer to the hon. Member for Down on 7th December, will begin next week. I am sorry that it is not possible further to increase the passenger services for Christmas.