§ 49. Mr. HOPKINSasked the Prime Minister whether he can definitely promise that the Imperial Conference will consider the amendment of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914, with a view of permitting the children of all British subjects born in foreign countries to claim as a right British citizenship?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Home Office have prepared a Memorandum on the subject which will be circulated to the representatives of the Dominions and India.
§ Mr. HOPKINSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this question has been hanging on now for seven years, and that thousands of soldiers who came to fight for this country are now in a position of finding their children debarred from citizenship of the British Empire; and further, is he aware that every British community living in foreign countries feels very much this insult to their loyalty?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI cannot pretend personally to be able to verify the statement of the hon. Gentleman; but the business to be taken depends upon the decision of the Conference and the amount of time available. It is not for the British Government to dictate what the programme of the Conference shall be.
§ Mr. HOPKINSWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us why it is necessary to consult the Conference at all in this matter? This British citizen's Act was an Act of this House, and not of the Conference.
Mr. CHAMBERLAINPerhaps the hon. Member would be good enough to read his own question, which asks me whether I can definitely promise that the Imperial Conference will consider this question: that is the question I was asked to answer.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWould the right hon. Gentleman—
§ Mr. SPEAKERFurther questions had better be put down.