HC Deb 31 July 1918 vol 109 c424
49. Sir R. COOPER

asked the Prime Minister if the Committee recently appointed to review certificates of naturalisation is a purely Advisory Committee, or does he intend to give it executive power?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir George Cave)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. This Committee has not yet been appointed, but will be appointed as soon as the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Bill becomes law. Its functions are defined by the Bill.

Sir R. COOPER

Will they be advisory only or will they have any executive power?

Sir G. CAVE

My hon. Friend can judge of that as well as I can from the Bill. To some extent they will simply inquire and report, but to a great extent their report will be binding.

Mr. DILLON

Have the Government taken into consideration the suggestion of Lord Beresford that Mr. Justice Sankey's Committee should be wiped out of existence as unworthy of confidence?

Sir G. CAVE

No, there is no question of the kind.

Mr. DILLON

Lord Beresford proposed it last night at the Albert Hall.