§ 36. Mrs. Cazalet Keirasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government will now consider implementing the policy declared in 1931 by introducing legislation to allow British women to retain their nationality on marriage to an alien.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonIt is not possible for His Majesty's Government to introduce such legislation without prior consultation with the Dominions. No suitable opportunity for consultation has occurred, but the matter will not be overlooked.
§ Mrs. KeirMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will undertake to try to see that this matter is placed on the agenda at the next Imperial Conference?
§ Mr. MorrisonI will do my best, and I would certainly like it to be there, but, of course, it must depend on how much pressing business there is before that Conference.
Miss RathboneMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is right that this long-standing grievance should continue because the people of Eire do not want women to have the rights which other countries have secured; and is it desirable that women married to Allied nationals should be in a worse position than women married to enemy nationals?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am not sure if my hon. Friend has made a correct statement of the facts about Eire, but I think the House will agree that it is desirable that citizenship of the nations of the British Commonwealth should stand on the same basis if we can possibly do it.