§ 75. Mr. Hannahasked the Home Secretary whether the Government can hold out any hope of early legislation enabling British women marrying aliens to retain their citizenship?
§ 86. Mr. Sorensenasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the demand for an alteration of the law respecting the nationality of British women marrying aliens; and whether His Majesty's Government will take action to enable such women to retain their British nationality if they wish to do so?
§ Mr. PeakeMy right honourable Friend is aware of the interest which is taken in this subject to which much attention has been given by successive Imperial Conferences. It has not so far been found possible to reach agreement on an alteration of the law, and under the existing law there is no action which can be taken.
§ Mr. HannahIs not the law of 1870 hopelessly out of date, and can the Minister give any idea when agreement is likely to be reached?
§ Mr. PeakeThe difficulties are that there is no general agreement as to what alterations in the law are desirable, and furthermore, this is a subject which obviously must be discussed at the next Imperial Conference.
Colonel Sandeman AllenCan we not bring this country into line with Australia and New Zealand? Is there any reason why there should be any difference within the Empire on such a matter?
§ Mr. PeakeThere are practical difficulties, and I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement which was made by the Lord Chancellor when a Bill was recently introduced in another place.