§ 27. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Home Secretary how many of the 126 applicants who have been refused certificates of 2388 naturalisation between November last and the 13th of this month have been continually resident in this country for 20 years or over without having committed any crime; and upon what grounds, apart from length of residence and crime conviction, certificates of naturalisation have been refused?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe extraction of the particulars asked for in the first part of the question would involve much time and labour, and I regret I cannot undertake to give the information. With regard to the second part, it would in any event be contrary to the established practice and to the spirit of the statutory provision under which I act to give reasons for the decisions on individual applications for naturalisation.
§ Mr. MORRISONI was not asking for reasons in individual cases, but if a man has been for from 20 to 40 years resident in this country, and has never been charged by the police with an offence, on what ground would his application be turned down?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThis is rather a large question which can be debated when my Vote comes to be taken next week, but the Act of Parliament is quite clear that the granting of a certificate of naturalisation to an alien is in the absolute discretion of the Secretary of State, and he may, without assigning any reason, give or withhold a certificate as he thinks fit in the public interests. I will go so far as to say that the dominating question in my mind in deciding these matters is the public welfare.
§ Mr. MORRISONWhat grounds can be given in the case of a man, resident in this country for from 20 to 40 years, who has never had any charge alleged against him by the police?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think that that is a matter which ought to be raised on the Home Office Vote.
§ Mr. LANSBURYDocs the right hon. Gentleman contend that because Parliament entrusted him with certain powers this House has no right to inquire how the Minister is exercising those powers?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSCertainly not. Parliament was entitled to pass the Act in 1914. Parliament has given me 2389 the power to decide these matters without assigning any reasons, and I have acted on that power.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYMay I ask, as this is a very important matter affecting a great many people in my constituency, is it the policy of the Department purposely to delay the time for granting the certificate?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI would suggest that that is a subject which should be discussed in Supply. Clearly the House is entitled in Supply to ask how these powers are exercised.