§ 33. Mrs. Tateasked the Home Secretary whether he will instruct the police to inform British-born wives of enemy aliens when they call to register of their rights, under Section 10 (6) of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, to make a declaration that they wish to resume their British nationality?
§ Sir J. AndersonI agree that it is desirable that this provision should be widely known. But the registration of enemy aliens has been going on since the outbreak of war, and I do not think any useful purpose would be served by issuing any such instructions to the police at this stage.
§ Mrs. TateIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the police are generally unaware, or at least never make the women aware, of their rights under this Section, and surely it is no use a woman having a right if she has no knowledge of it?
§ Sir J. AndersonShe is supposed to have knowledge of it.
§ 49. Commander Locker-Lampsonasked the Home Secretary whether in addition to the measures already taken, he will take steps to enable British-born women who are married to aliens to regain their British citizenship?
§ Sir J. AndersonAs regards British-born women married to enemy aliens, action can be taken in special cases under the provisions of Section 10 of the British Nationality Act, 1914, as amended. If my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind an amendment of the law on the general question of the nationality of married women, this is a subject which presents many difficulties, and I can hold out no hope of legislation in existing circumstances.
§ Mrs. TateAs I asked earlier in the afternoon, will my right hon. Friend inform the police and ask them to instruct the women of their rights?
§ Sir J. AndersonI answered that question.