HC Deb 05 May 1924 vol 173 cc39-40
70. Mr. LANSBURY

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the delay in the issuing of naturalisation papers to persons applying to become naturalised citizens of this country; and whether, in view of the fact that in some cases there has been a delay, not only of months but of years, he will take the necessary steps to expedite these proceedings so that persons who have been resident in the country for many years may obtain their naturalisation papers without delay?

Mr. HENDERSON

Numerous applications are received, and I do not think there is any undue delay when the applicants are in a position to satisfy me that they may properly be given the privilege of British nationality. The time which must in many cases be allowed to elapse before a certificate can be granted is not a delay which can be eliminated or which can properly furnish cause for complaint.

Mr. RONALD McNEILL

Is the right hon. Gentleman's Department carrying out the policy outlined by the Labour party, at the Election, of imposing no restrictions on the immigration of aliens into this country?

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

That has nothing to do with naturalisation.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

Is it not a fact that there has been considerably less demand for naturalisation papers since the Government agreed to give doles to aliens?

Mr. McNEILL

On a point of Order. May I ask for an answer to my question?

Mr. HENDERSON

I did not answer because I thought it was not connected with the question on the paper.

Mr. SPEAKER

All the supplementary questions seem to be beyond the question.

Mr. LANSBURY

Is there any fixed number of years during which a person must be resident in the country before he can get naturalisation, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement is made that there are many people who have been waiting for 12 years?

Mr. PRINGLE

I wish to put a question—

Mr. SPEAKER

Sir Fredric Wise.

Mr. PRINGLE

On a point of Order. Is it your ruling, Sir, that because a number of questions have been put which are irrelevant, no Member is to have an opportunity of putting a relevant question?

Mr. SPEAKER

Not at all. But there must be some limit to Supplementary Questions.