HC Deb 06 November 1919 vol 120 cc1656-7
21. Sir JOHN BUTCHER

asked the Secretary of. State for the Home Department whether he is now in a position to announce the date on which he will introduce a Bill to amend the naturalisation laws, in accordance with promises given by successive Home Secretaries?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Major Baird)

I regret that I can add nothing to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary gave to the hon. and learned Baronet last July. The matter is not ripe for legislation, and no legislation has been promised until it has been fully discussed between the different parts of the Empire.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Has any draft Bill been prepared and submitted to the representatives of the Dominions for their consideration?

Major BAIRD

No. I am afraid that that would be premature. The representatives of the Dominions have not yet expressed their opinions on the subject. Until that has been done it would be inappropriate for us to draft a Bill on the subject.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Will my hon. Friend request the distinguished representatives of the Dominions to reply to the representations that have been made by the Government as early as possible, so that we may have a Bill as early as possible next session?

Major BAIRD

I am not sure that that would meet the case. It depends on the deliberations of the Committee set up by the Imperial Conference, and I think that the Imperial Conference must consider this question before legislation is brought in.

Mr. BILLING

Having regard to the fact that the answers to questions are of general interest to the House is it in order in answer to a question asked this session to refer to the answer given to a question asked in a previous session?

Mr. SPEAKER

I am afraid that it is done very frequently.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Will the Imperial Conference meet again to consider the question?

Major BAIRD

My hon. Friend must ask some higher authority than I.