§ 36. Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that Caroline Hanemann was naturalised during the War and recently denaturalised, and who stayed at 10, Downing Street, for some months during the year 1916, he will now consent to adopt the same course as that followed in the case of Laszlo, and give the names of the British subjects who stood as sponsors; and whether he will state the reasons for her denaturalisation?
§ Mr. SHORTTNo, Sir. In my view there are no reasons in this case for departing from the established practice. As 736 regards the last part of the question I can only repeat that on the question referred to them in accordance with the statute, namely, whether it is desirable that the certificate should be revoked, the Committee replied in the affirmative and gave no reasons.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYWould the right hon. Gentleman say what is the objection to tell the House the names of the British subjects who vouched for this lady who lived for many months at 10, Downing Street, and who was naturalised after the War?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe whole matter has been carefully considered, and it was felt better that the names should not be disclosed. In one case there were special reasons, namely, that Members of this House and of the House of Lords had been sponsors, in this case no such question arose. With regard to the lady having stayed at 10, Downing Street, I have no evidence of her having done so.
§ Mr. BILLINGAre we to understand that no Member of this House, or no late Member of this House, or their wives, were vouchers for this lady?
§ Mr. SHORTTNone, Sir.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERIs there any reason why persons who were prepared to vouch for the respectability and loyality of applicants for naturalisation should be allowed hereafter to conceal their names when those persons turn out to be unworthy?
§ Mr. SHORTTYes, but it has been considered that the only way in which you can get true accounts is to maintain secrecy.
Mr. KENNEDY JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman explain to the House the mystery about the names of these sponsors? Why should the Government be in possession of the knowledge of who were the sponsors and not communicate it to this House?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have nothing to add.
§ Mr. BILLINGHas application been made to 10, Downing Street, to ascertain whether this lady did live there, and, if so, to whom was the application made, and was it made verbally or by letter?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have nothing to add.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYI beg to give notice that I will call attention to this matter on the adjournment to-night.