10. Major HARVEYasked the Home Secretary if he has received any communications from the Dominions on the subject of the nationality of British women who marry aliens?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe hon. and gallant Member, no doubt, refers to the Resolution which he moved on the 18th February last, and I am informed that no communication has yet been received from any of the self-governing Dominions directly referring to that Resolution.
Major HARVEYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Resolution in similar terms to the one which I have moved has been, or is being, moved in the Federal Parliament of Australia?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI was not aware of that. That will probably mean that we will get some information very shortly from Australia.
Captain SHAWDoes the right hon. Gentleman intend to bring in legislation in regard to Englishwomen who marry foreigners, because, in the case of an Englishwoman who marries an American, she has no nationality at all. Will the Home Secretary entertain the idea of some legislation that will move that defect?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAs the House knows, I have been trying to get general agreement on the subject of nationality, and we are in communication with the Dominions. Until we hear from them, I think it would be wrong to bring a Bill into this House dealing with a subject which we desire to deal with throughout the whole Empire.
§ Miss WILKINSONIs the right hon. Gentleman taking any steps to ascertain the opinion of the Dominions otherwise than by circulating to them the printed proceedings of this House?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes; a despatch was sent to the Dominions some time ago. I must confess that I cannot remember the terms. I will consider whether a further despatch might be sent.