37. Sir F. HALLasked the Home Secretary how many aliens have become naturalised British subjects during the two years ended 30th September; and how many of these are engaged in occupations in this country in which there is any considerable amount of unemployment?
§ Sir H. SAMUELThe annual returns presented to Parliament show that, in 1929, 1,149 certificates of naturalisation were granted, and in 1930, 1,409. The number granted during the first nine 1000 months of this year is 1,514. The information requested in the second part of the question does not exist and I regret that I do not feel justified in undertaking in present circumstances any special inquiry on this subject. The occupation, if any, of every person to whom a certificate has been granted, is given in the monthly lists published in the London Gazette.
Sir F. HALLHow does the right hon. Gentleman account for the enormous increase during the first nine months of this year, during which the number was apparently larger than for the whole of the previous year?
§ Sir H. SAMUELI am told that the increase in the number of certificates is due partly to simplification of the forms on which applications for naturalisation are made, and partly to successful efforts made by the Home Office to overtake arrears.
Sir F. HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman see that it is not made easier for these people to come over here and take work from our own people?
§ Sir H. SAMUELThat does not arise, because the sort of persons who are naturalised have had to be in this country for at least five years.