§ 12. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that, for the year ending 31st December, 1925, out of a total of 668 male aliens from European countries who were granted certificates of naturalisation 340 were Russians; and what steps are taken to ascertain that these aliens have proper means of subsistence and will not become a charge upon the rates in the near future or displace employed persons in this country?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI am aware of the figures quoted, which appear in the last Annual Return. I endeavour, by utilising the various means of inquiry at my disposal, to see that all relevant considerations are taken into account in each case before a certificate of naturalisation is granted. The question of displacement of labour does not arise seeing that only resident aliens can be naturalised.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKMay I point out to the right hon. Gentleman—
§ 14. Sir W. de FRECEasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the Soviet Government will not repatriate certain of its subjects whom we wish to deport, he will consider the desirability in future of refusing any entry permits to Russian subjects whom the 603 Soviet Government want to send to this country until for each one they take back one of the persons whom we wish to deport?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSEvery Government is entitled to say whether a person is or is not one of its nationals according to its own law, and I do not think that we could endeavour to force any Government in the way suggested to accept individuals whom we believe to be its citizens but whom it does not recognise as such.