§ 4. Mr. SOMERVILLEasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will approach the Dominion Government of Canada with a view to shortening the period of five years' residence in Canada now necessary, according to the Agreement of 1914 between the Imperial and Canadian Governments, for Canadians who had become naturalised in the United States, but had returned to Canada before they could again become British subjects throughout the Empire; and whether he is aware that Canada desires to shorten the five years' period?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for COLONIAL AFFAIRS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)In order to effect any alteration in the conditions on which certificates of Imperial naturalisation in Canada or else-where may be granted, legislation here would be necessary after consultation with the Governments of all the Dominions, and, in addition, legislation would be necessary in the Parliament of any Dominion which desired to adopt the change. His Majesty's Government are aware that this matter has been discussed in the Canadian House of Commons, but they have received no intimation from the Canadian Government that they desire that the period of five years' residence, which is a necessary qualification for the grant of a certificate of Imperial naturalisation, should be shortened.