HC Deb 10 August 1914 vol 65 cc2256-7
Mr. KING

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any announcement can be made to show what steps should be taken by, and what special facilities are being made for foreign subjects in Britain desirous of being forthwith naturalised, and whether any further steps are in contemplation for aliens left stranded in this country, especially for those desiring to leave these shores?

Mr. McKENNA

Applications for naturalisation are being received from aliens and will be dealt with as expeditiously as the number and the pressure of other work permits. No promise can be given as to the time in which any case can be completed as regards applications from German subjects. As I have already stated the police and Poor Law authorities will do their best for aliens who may be stranded.

Mr. KING

Are applications from German subjects being considered with the others or not? The right hon. Gentleman did not make that quite clear.

Mr. McKENNA

I can make no promise as to the naturalisation of Germans.