§ 86. Mr. KILEYasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is prepared to give consideration to the application of Mr. Bernard Schleif-stein, who applied for naturalisation in the year 1914, seeing that he has resided in this country for over 20 years, is a married man with a family, and is desirous that he and his children shall become British subjects; and, if he is not prepared to give the matter consideration now, whether he can hold out any hope that the application will be considered during the next 12 months?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Shortt)I regret that I cannot make any definite promise to the effect of either of the hon. Member's suggestions.
§ Mr. KILEYCan the right hon. Gentleman give the reason why it takes seven years to consider an application? Should it not be either dealt with or dismissed?
§ Mr. SHORTTSeveral of those years were years of War, when nothing was being done.