§ 38. Mr. HUME-WILLIAMSasked the Home Secretary how many Germans have applied for letters of naturalisation since the War began; whether the applicants consist of two classes, namely, those who have lived in this country for many years without taking the trouble to become British subjects and those who have not been here long but who chose the moment when our country is at war with theirs to make themselves British subjects, with the consequent privilege of remaining here exempted from the control now exercised over aliens; and whether he will take steps to provide that the applications of both classes should, in the national interest, be refused, and all these gentlemen returned to their own country at the earliest possible moment?
§ Mr. McKENNAAn immense number of applications for naturalisation has been submitted to me since the war began, and the applicants, no doubt, include considerable number of Germans, but I have not had these specially counted. I can assure the hon. Member that in dealing with any such applications I shall have careful regard to the terms of the Naturalisation Act, which empower me to grant or withhold a certificate as I think most conducive to the public good. I shall not grant certificates to any persons who should, in the interests of this nation, be returned to their own country, though I may point out that their compulsory return is not a practical possibility at the present moment.