HC Deb 17 July 1918 vol 108 cc1195-8

A natural-born British woman who before the War married a subject of a country now at war with His Majesty, and who has been separated from him for a period of not less than ten years, shall be entitled to be re-admitted to British nationality under the same conditions as if her husband were dead.—[Sir J. Butcher.]

Brought up, and read the first time.

Sir J. BUTCHER

I beg to move, "That the Clause be read a second time."

I shall put the case for this Clause much clearer if I give the Committee a specific case which has been brought to my knowledge. Some years before the War a British-born woman married a German. After some experience of him she came to the conclusion that she could not possibly continue to live with him. They separated many years ago, and are never likely to see each other again, so far as she is concerned, if she can avoid it. He has gone to Germany, and is bringing every pressure, almost brutality, to bear upon her to force her to go back to Germany by depriving her of money, and so on, but she refuses to go. She feels bitterly the stigma and stain of having this German nationality imposed upon her, and she desires to have her British nationality restored. It is not a matter of sentiment alone, because, while she is of German nationality, which was imposed upon her at her marriage against her will, she cannot change her name. She has a German name, and the possession of that prevents her from earning a livelihood, which she is anxious to do by teaching music or drawing, or something of that sort. In these circumstances, I ask the Home Secretary to take power to readmit her to British nationality. If her husband were only certainly dead, there would be no difficulty about it. If she could get a divorce from him there would be no difficulty, but, unfortunately, for some technical reason, she cannot get a divorce. She is, and wants to be, as dead to him as if he were really in his grave. There is no theological or religious question involved here, as if I were asking the right hon. Gentleman to divorce the lady on the ground that she is merely separated from the husband. It is merely a question, Aye or No, is it reasonable that a woman who by her marriage had a German nationality forced upon her, should be compelled to abide not only under the stigma but under the grave disadvantage of this German nationality for the rest of her life? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman see his way to release her from this most unfortunate situation?

Colonel GRETTON

I know of two cases exactly similar to that which has been cited by my hon. and learned Friend. They were women who married Germans, and found it impossible to live with them. A settlement was come to in both cases that husband and wife should separate. They are never likely to meet again, but these two unfortunate women retain their German ntationality, with all its technical disadvantages and the stigma which attaches to them. Clearly some relief should be given in cases of this kind, and I urge upon my right hon. Friend that he should give consideration and accept an Amendment which will meet cases of great hardship, which clearly should not be allowed to continue under present conditions.

Sir G. CAVE

Both my hon. Friends have cited hard cases, but I am most unwilling to take action on matters of detail before the question is dealt with as a whole. Besides which, this merely refers to voluntary separation. The case of women, of course, can be dealt with. I had a case the other day of a charwoman who was the wife of a German. She could not get work because of her name, but I had power to licence her to change her name, and I did so. That was a very special case of a poor woman who could not earn even 10s. a week. That kind of case will always be considered, but I am afraid I must resist the Amendment.

Sir J. BUTCHER

When my right hon. Friend comes to consider the bigger ques- tion, can he give an assurance that cases of this sort will be considered, and, if possible, dealt with?

Sir G. CAVE

Most certainly.

Colonel GRETTON

Can my right hon. Friend hold out any hope that the bigger question will be dealt with at a time not far distant?

Sir G. CAVE

I have already held out all the hope I can.

Motion and Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Bill reported; as amended, to be considered upon Friday, and to be printed. [Bill 67.]

The remaining Orders were read, and postponed.

It being after half-past Eleven of the Clock, Mr. SPEAKER adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.

Adjourned at Fourteen minutes before Twelve o'clock.