§ Mr. J. Beattieasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Northern Ireland Home Secretary applied to this Government for the prolongation of the Residence Permit (Northern Ireland) Regulations Order, 1942; whether there have been conversations or communications between him and the Home Secretary for Northern Ireland on this matter; and whether a like Order is in operation in Great Britain, Eire or any part of the British Commonwealth.
§ Mr. EdeBefore the Defence Regulation 18 (2AA) was made in 1942, it was made clear to the House that it was contemplated that the scheme would be kept in existence for a reasonable time after the end of the war, and that if the Regulation should expire before the demobilised men had reasonable opportunity of being absorbed into employment the necessary legislation would be introduced in the United Kingdom Parliament for a temporary prolongation of the system. There have been frequent consultations between my Department and the Ministry of Home. Affairs in Northern Ireland with regard to the administration of the Order made by my predecessor in pursuance of this Regulation. So far as there is any corresponding control over immigration into Great Britain, it is effected by the permit system established under the other provisions of Defence Regulation 18.