HC Deb 08 November 1937 vol 328 cc1414-5
69. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether any steps have been taken by His Majesty's Government at the Imperial Conference or since to secure agreement among the Governments of the Dominion countries concerning alteration of the laws relating to British nationality, so that married women shall be in the same position in this respect as single women or men; and whether he has information as to recent changes in this direction made in the laws of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Irish Free State?

The Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Marquess of Hartington)

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the report on the Nationality of Married Women adopted by the recent Imperial Conference. This report is contained in the Summary of Proceedings of the Conference, Cmd. 5482, pages 27 and 28. As regards the second part of the question, information as to relevant recent legislation in Australia and New Zealand is given in the report already referred to. I have no information as to any recent similar legislation in Canada; as regards the Irish Free State, I would refer the hon. Member to the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1935, of the Irish Free State, of which I am sending him a copy.