32. Captain MACDONALDasked the Home Secretary what is the nature of the simplified procedure which he proposes to initiate respecting the naturalisation of aliens; and from what date such changes will be effective?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe principal point is that, instead of at least eight documents being necessary, all the information required in the first instance can be given on one form. I think that many applicants should be able to complete this for themselves. The alien will be required to make a statutory declaration in support of his application, and to obtain the signatures of four British sponsors: there are spaces on the form for both these purposes. The requirement of public advertisement of an application in the Press will be maintained, and every application will, as hitherto, be subjected to searching inquiry before a decision is reached. I hope that the new arrangements will enable a larger number of applications to be brought to a decision more speedily than has been possible in recent years. The forms and instructions for applicants are in the Press, and will, I believe, be on sale to-morrow.