§ 25. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Home Secretary how many aliens were granted certificates of naturalisation for the year ended December, 1931; and how many of these were originally British subjects?
§ Sir H. SAMUELThe Annual Return for 1931 has not yet been compiled, but the monthly lists published in the London Gazette—which approximately coincide with the Return—contain the names of 2,186 aliens whose oaths of allegiance were registered at the Home Office in 1931. This figure includes 843 persons who had previously been British subjects, and in addition a certain num- 539 ber (not distinguished in the lists) who were of British parentage but did not themselves become British subjects at birth.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEIn view of the fact that these figures only show a proportion of one-seventh British-born subjects, and also show that 97 Russians were naturalised in the month of December alone, will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to give facilities for British-born subjects who are now aliens, and who wish to settle in this country, to do so?
§ Sir H. SAMUELEvery consideration is given to such persons who come within the statutory conditions.
Viscountess ASTORWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are British-born women who have to be aliens because they have married foreigners?
§ Sir H. SAMUELOn the other hand, we sometimes have the advantage of foreign women who marry British subjects.