HC Deb 16 May 1946 vol 422 cc274-5W
71. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, now peace conditions have been restored, he will rescind the regulations which require those citizens of Eire who have been employed in this country during the war to carry a passport and report their movements to the police.

Mr. Ede:

The restrictions to which my hon. Friend refers are a necessary part of the machinery for controlling Eire workers who have been temporarily admitted to this country for employment of national importance. I am advised by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service that it is necessary to maintain these restrictions until the process of demobilisation and resettlement is further advanced, but they are being progressively withdrawn from various categories of Eire workers as and when circumstances justify it.

72. Mr. McEntee

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if workmen from Eire or from Northern Ireland, who are engaged here on the repair of houses damaged by enemy action or on other essential work, will be permitted to bring their wives and families over to remain during the time that the men continue to be employed here.

Mr. Ede:

Yes, Sir; visas can be granted to their wives and minor children if accommodation is available.

73. Mr. McEntee

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why pressure is being exercised by his Department to compel workers from Eire, or from Northern Ireland, who were brought over here for war work or to repair houses damaged by enemy action, to return home; and to whom, and in what way, is it to be applied.

Mr. Ede:

There has been no recent change in the policy of the Government in this matter. Eire workers are admitted to this country on a temporary basis for limited periods for employment of national importance, and are required, by the terms of conditions attached to the grant of permission to disembark, to leave at the end of the period of permitted stay unless it is extended for the purpose of continued employment approved by the Ministry of Labour and National Service.

74. Captain Delargy

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Irish workers have been expelled from this country during the last three months, to any convenient date.

Mr. Ede:

During the three months ending 31st March, 1946, 124 Eire workers were required to leave Great Britain.