§ 27. Mr. Thorneasked the Home Secretary how many Germans and Italians were resident in this country at the end of March, 1938, and how many have been naturalised?
§ Sir S. HoareThe number of persons of German and Italian nationality registered with the police on 30th May last was as follows:
There is no relation between these figures and figures of naturalisations, since most of these people are only here temporarily, while naturalisation is only granted to permanent residents who have been here at least five years. The number of naturalisation certificates granted in the year ended 30th May was 253 to persons who were formerly of German nationality, and 210 to persons who were formerly of Italian nationality.
- Germans—9,939 males and 11,932 females.
- Italians—12,173 males and 8,116 females.
§ Mr. ThorneIs it not the case that these Germans and Italians are entitled to the same rights and privileges as the ordinary Britisher in this country and that there is no distinction?
§ Sir S. HoareI could not give a general answer to a question of that kind. Obviously a foreigner in this country is in a different position from a British citizen.
§ Mr. ThorneIf he is naturalised, has he not the same rights and privileges?
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherAre the records of these individuals kept in such a way as to show which are refugees and 1499 unable to return to their country, and which are not refugees and are able to return
§ Sir S. HoareI should say, speaking generally, that we know which of these are refugees.