HC Deb 10 November 1927 vol 210 cc335-7
12 and 13. Captain A. EVANS

asked the Home Secretary (1) if it is necessary for British West Indian sub- jects to have their finger prints taken for their identification cards if they are able to read and write;

(2) if it is necessary for a British West Indian subject to report to the police and to take out a card of identification on his arrival in this country if he is in a position to produce a birth certificate proving his claim to British citizenship?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

A person who is in a position to prove that he is a British subject does not come within the scope of the Aliens Order, 1920, or the special Restriction (Coloured Alien Seamen) Order, 1925, made thereunder. The production of a birth certificate, however, is not sufficient to establish British nationality without proof of the identiy of the holder with the person named in the certificate. An impression of the left thumb is one of the prescribed particulars to be taken in the case of every person registered under the Order relating to coloured alien seamen.

Captain EVANS

Would my right hon. Friend be so kind as to answer Question No. 12, as to whether it is necessary for British West Indian subjects who can read and write to have their finger prints taken like a criminal?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

It is not necessarily, like a criminal; it is adopted as affording the best means of identification. The mere production by a coloured seaman of a birth certificate is no proof at all that he is the person named in that certificate, and, therefore, a British subject.

Captain EVANS

May I ask what proof my right hon. Friend would be prepared to accept as showing that a British West Indian subject is a British subject?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

I am prepared to accept any reasonable proof that will convince any one of my officers at the port that he is a British subject. I have to be particularly careful, as my hon. and gallant Friend would be among the first to complain if I let in any doubtful cases.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

I presume that in every case a passport is a proof?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

These men do not need passports, and we want to avoid the necessity of burdening them with passports. If they can identify themselves with the birth certificate, we will admit it.

Mr. WEBB

Could the right hon. Gentleman explain how the thumb mark refers back to the birth certificate? Is the baby's thumb mark taken?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

It may be a birth mark.

Mr. WEBB

May I ask for an answer as to how the thumb-mark of the alien person has any connection with his presumed birth certificate? How does that enable an officer to decide that he was the person mentioned in the certificate, unless there is some previous thumb-mark?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

The comparison of one thumb-mark with the other enables the identity to be established.

Mr. WEBB

Is there any thumb-mark on the birth certificate?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS

That is a question of which I think I must ask the right hon. Gentleman to give me notice.