HC Deb 15 May 1924 vol 173 c1538
32. Sir F. HALL

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of his intention of taking steps to speed up the naturalisation of aliens desiring to settle in this country and having regard to the present serious unemployment, he will consider as to appointing a Departmental Committee, in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour, to inquire and report on the effect on labour conditions here of removing or further weakening restrictions on alien immigration?

Mr. HENDERSON

The aliens whose applications for naturalisation I am anxious to deal with as expeditiously as possible have all been settled here for long periods; and no question as to restrictions on alien immigration arises in connection therewith.

Sir F. HALL

Is it the intention of the Government to make it easier for these aliens to take up their abode here?

Mr. HAYES

Is it not a fact that all papers now relating to the naturalisation of aliens apply to aliens who came into the country before the War?

Mr. HENDERSON

My hon. Friend must be aware that aliens cannot be admitted to-day unless on the conditions I stated in answer to a question two days ago, and one of these is that if they are coming for employment they must have the certificate of the Minister of Labour.

Sir F. HALL

Are any efforts to be put forth to make it easier for these aliens to be naturalised?