HC Deb 08 August 1918 vol 109 cc1527-8
38. Sir R. COOPER

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances he will permit aliens to change their names; and if every change will be announced in the "London Gazette," as in the past?

Sir G. CAVE

No general rules as to the circumstances in which changes of name will be allowed under the Regulation have yet been adopted, and I cannot therefore make a statement on the subject at the present moment. I am not aware that it has been the practice to announce all changes of name in the "Gazette," but I am considering the question of giving publicity to cases in which a change of name may be sanctioned under the Regulation.

41. General McCALMONT

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of a British-born son of German parents who, since the outbreak of war, has assumed by deed poll the well-known double surname assumed by royal licence some years ago by a British family and who uses the name for business as well as private purposes; and whether he will, in accordance with recommendation No. 10 of the Committee presided over by the right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy, so extend the scope of the recently issued Order under the Defence of the Realm Act as to include the children of enemy aliens who preferred their alien names until after the outbreak of War?

Sir G. CAVE

The hon. and gallant Member has furnished me with particulars of the case to which he refers. My attention had not previously been drawn to it. I doubt whether Defence of the Realm Regulation 14II could be extended to natural-born British subjects, but I appreciate the objections to the existing law as to changes of name, and I hope that the whole matter may before long be dealt with by legislation.

General McCALMONT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the family in question are perfectly prepared to take any individual action to protect themselves, but according to counsel's opinion find themselves unable to take any action under the existing law?

Sir G. CAVE

I am aware of that, and I regret it very much.