§ 27. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Prime Minister whether the necessary legislation for the amendment of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, as agreed at the Imperial Conference, will be introduced during the present Session?
The LEADER of the HOUSE (Mr. Chamberlain)I can add nothing to the answer which I gave on Thursday last to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for South East St. Pancras.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWhile thanking the Prime Minister for the personal interest he has taken in the matter, would it not be possible to introduce this Bill into the House, having regard to the fact that our fellow-countrymen have been so long waiting for it, and also to the fact that our Colonial Ministers have approved of it, leaving the details to be settled by a Committee?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI think this is pre-eminently a matter in which we should act with the Dominions, and I deprecate the zeal of my hon. and gallant Friend to anticipate the decision of the Dominion Governments.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWill the right hon. Gentleman look up this matter to see if it is not a fact that I received a pledge from the Government two years ago that negotiations would take place and were actually in progress?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI need look it up, because I know that negotiations have been going on for a long time. I think we must wait until we receive an answer from them.
§ Mr. DEVLINIs two years too long?
§ Sir J. BUTCHERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that seven years ago I obtained a similar pledge?