HC Deb 14 June 1939 vol 348 cc1295-6
44. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that residence in the Colony of Nigeria qualifies a person for naturalisation as a British subject while residence in the Protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria does not; and will he take steps to remedy this and ensure that residence within the Protectorates shall constitute residence within His Majesty's Dominions for the purpose of naturalisation?

Sir T. Inskip

As my right hon. Friend has already informed the hon. Member, His Majesty's Government are considering the introduction of legislation which, if passed, would enable residence in certain British Protectorates (including the Nigerian Protectorate) to be counted as a qualification for naturalisation as a British subject. It is not yet possible to say when such legislation is likely to be introduced.

Mr. Lipson

Will my right hon. Friend see that this legislation is passed in the very near future, in view of the fact that an Imperial Conference many years ago made a recommendation to this effect, and also because, in view of the international situation, many Europeans are anxious about their position?

Sir T. Inskip

I have no doubt my right hon. Friend is fully alive to the importance of passing legislation as soon as an opportunity presents itself.