HC Deb 12 April 1921 vol 140 cc901-2
20. Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that on 12th November, 1918, 20th February, 1919, 10th April, 1919, 24th July, 1919, 6th November, 1919, 2nd March, 1920, 9th March, 1920, and 14th December, 1920, the Home Secretary stated that the question of amendments in the law of nationality was under con- sideration in consultation with the Dominions and India; and whether a Bill has been drafted and submitted for the consideration of the Dominions and India, and with what result?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)

The answer to this question will be found in the OFFICIAL REPORT for 23rd March, and is as follows: As I stated in December last, a meeting of the Special Conference, to which certain questions of nationality and naturalisation were referred by the Imperial Conference, was held in July, 1918, but shortly after the meeting most of the overseas representatives went away. Since then various letters and memoranda have passed between the home country and the overseas Dominions, but there has been no opportunity for another Conference. The matter has not been lost sight of, and will be pursued at the earliest opportunity.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Do I understand that the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and can my right hon. Friend say whether any Bill has yet been drafted?

Mr. SHORTT

No, I think it follows from my answer that no Bill has been drafted, because we have not arrived at the necessary agreement.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the statement in the first part of the question is correct?

Mr. SHORTT

So far as I know, yes.