§ 32. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Italians of military age are in this country; and whether these Italians are being sent back to Italy for military service?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Brace)The figures asked for in the first part of the question are not available. The answer to the second part is in the negative.
§ Mr. KINGWhy are the figures not available if a census has been taken in London of aliens of military age? Why cannot it be communicated to the House?
§ Mr. WATTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a strong feeling exists in this country because these men of military age are taking the positions of Britishers who are sent to the front?
§ Mr. KINGMay I ask whether some steps will be taken to obtain the information referred to in the first part of my question, as there is a great deal of public interest taken in the matter?
§ 33. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that in July, 1916, M. Montet, a French deputy and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, came to London to make known to the Home Secretary the conclusions which the French Government and Parliament had reached concerning friendly aliens; and whether any record of M. Montet's interview with the Home Secretary is available for consideration at the present time?
§ Mr. BRACEI understand that the late Home Secretary saw Monsieur Montet when he was in London last summer, but I have no record of what passed at the interview.
§ Mr. KINGWill the hon. Gentleman take the opportunity to consult the late Home Secretary, and ask him to furnish some account of this very important interview?
§ 34. Mr. KINGasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a number of Russians, having applied some months ago for naturalisation, and being refused or delayed a response to their desire to become British subjects, have, as a result, hesitated to join the British Army; whether all applications for British citizenship from friendly aliens of military age will now be considered, with a view to early naturalisation whenever the legal conditions permit; and whether for poor aliens a reduction of the naturalisation fee or deferred or instalment payments will be favourably considered?
§ Mr. BRACEI have no information to the effect of the first part of the question. As regards the rest of the question, I can 534 only say that the special arrangements, including the remission of the naturalisation fee, made by the late Home Secretary in favour of friendly aliens who joined the British Forces, are still open to those who are disposed to avail themselves of them.
§ Mr. KINGWill the £5, I think it is, required for the naturalisation fee be entirely remitted to those men who join the British Army?