HC Deb 11 December 1946 vol 431 c1167
75. Major Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Jews in Palestine have applied for Palestinian citizenship; and how many applications have been granted.

Mr. Creech Jones

Since the date of the Palestinian Citizenship Order, 1st August, 1925, to the end of June, 1946, 103,604 applications for naturalisation certificates as Palestinian citizens have been made and 95,151 certificates delivered. In many cases these certificates also cover the family of the applicant, and the total number of persons acquiring Palestinian citizenship under them is 135,124, of whom 99 per cent. are estimated to be Jews.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Can the Minister give any indication of the average length of time these applicants have been in Palestine?

Mr. Creech Jones

Not without notice.

Mr. S. Silverman

Can my right hon. Friend say, first, how many Jews in Palestine have become Palestinian citizens by reason of being born there; and, second, what period of residence is required to found an application for naturalisation?

Mr. Creech Jones

I should want notice of that.