asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the dissatisfaction expressed with the present arrangement, he will frame a regulation whereby all travellers from Northern Ireland to Great Britain over 14 years of age must have a travel permit before starting on the journey?

I am at present in consultation with the Government of Northern Ireland regarding a proposed amendment of the Passenger Traffic Order to regulate the travel between Ireland and Great Britain of children under 16 who are at present exempted from the requirement of a permit.

Does my right hon. Friend recognise the urgency of this question and the necessity for taking action?

I do recognise that, but here is a point on which for once I have been able to give my hon. Friend a sympathetic reply, which, I am sure, he appreciates.