29. Mr. David Adamsasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in all British mandated territories held by British self-governing dominions British nationality is conferred on the inhabitants of the former upon application, but this is not so in some of the British mandated territories held by the United Kingdom as in the cases of Tanganyika and Palestine where qualified inhabitants desiring British citizenship must possess five years residence in a neighbouring Colony like Kenya or Cyprus; and whether steps will be taken to remove such anomalies?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI understand that under the legislation of New Zealand and the Union of South Africa provision exists whereby in the case of Western Samoa and South-West Africa, respectively, certificates of naturalisation for local purposes only may be granted to residents in these mandated territories. As regards the second part of the Question, as the hon. Member is aware, His Majesty's Government were on the outbreak of war considering the introduction of legislation which, if passed, would enable residents in certain mandated territories to become eligible for naturalisation as British subjects. Whether such legislation should be introduced during the war is now under consideration.