§ 73. Mr. Manderasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether there is any obligation for former Austrian subjects living in this country to accept German citizenship; and whether they have the alternative choice of remaining here as stateless persons or, in due course, qualifying for British nationality?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)An Austrian living in this country is not required by the Home Office to apply to the German authorities for recognition as a German citizen, and the question of his doing so is one for him alone to decide. An Austrian, already admitted to this country, who became stateless, would not on that account be required to leave, but a number of refugees from Austria have been allowed to come here on condition that they emigrate, and they will be required to leave as soon as the arrangements are made. An Austrian who had the necessary residential qualification and was otherwise eligible, would be at liberty, like any other foreigner, to apply for the grant of a certificate of naturalisation.
§ Mr. ManderWould the hon. Gentleman be good enough to give the widest publicity to the statement he has made, in view of the endeavours that are being made to put pressure on certain individuals in this country?