§ 49. Commander King-Hallasked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to ensure that the disabilities under which British married women suffer under the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Acts will be given consideration at the forthcoming conference of Dominion Premiers.
50. Mr. Graham Whiteasked the Prime Minister if it is his intention to ascertain the views of the Prime Ministers of the Dominions on the subject of the nationality of married women during the forthcoming Dominions Conference.
§ Mr. AttleeThe forthcoming meeting is a personal meeting of Prime Ministers for discussion of broad issues of policy arising out of the war. I do not think that the question which my hon. Friends have in mind could appropriately be discussed.
§ Mr. Pethick-LawrenceThe Deputy Prime Minister will realise that this is a 625 question of practical significance, which cannot be left indefinitely in cold storage. Can he give an assurance that, if this question will not be discussed at immediate meetings, the Prime Ministers will, at least, be asked to discuss the matter in their respective Dominions, with a view to a discussion at their next joint meeting and a decision being arrived at?
§ Mr. AttleeThat is rather another matter, and I would like to consider it.
§ Commander King-HallIn view of the fact that, a year ago, the Government said they were anxious to take further opportunities of consultation, does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that something might by now have been done; and can he say when they will do something about it? Is there any hope of anything happening?
§ Mr. AttleeI cannot add anything to the statement I have already made.
§ Mr. W. J. BrownAre you aware, Mr. Speaker, that the length of the supplementary question put just now from above the Gangway exceeded by a second and a half the length of the supplementary question of mine which you ruled out of Order because of its length?