§ 63. Mr. Shinwellasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Spanish seamen who take service in British ships will lose their nationality; and whether he is prepared to recommend that such seamen should be allowed to remain in the United Kingdom and after the statutory period should be entitled to apply for certificates of naturalisation?
§ Sir J. AndersonI am unaware of any provision in Spanishlaw whereby a 1485 Spanish seaman who serves as a member of the crew of a British ship would thereby lose his nationality, but I am causing inquiries to be made into the matter. No general undertaking can be given that foreign seamen will be allowed to remain in the United Kingdom with a view to becoming eligible for naturalisation, but if in any special cases there are grounds for giving favourable consideration to men who can render useful service in British ships, such cases would be considered on their merits.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that many Spanish seamen were left in this country during the Spanish Civil War and are threatened with loss of nationality for serving in British vessels? Is he also aware that there is difficulty in obtaining sufficient crews for the Mercantile Marine and that these men are very anxious to render service?
§ Sir J. AndersonAs regards the first part of the question, I have said that that is being looked into. I realise the importance of the matter referred to in the other part of the question.