§ 45. Major Symondsasked the Prime Minister if he has any statement to make on the recent conversations with the Dominions Prime Ministers on the question of the nationality of married women.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)As a result of discussions at the meeting of Prime Ministers, arrangements were made for informal talks between officials of the Governments of the Dominions represented at the meeting and United Kingdom officials on nationality questions generally with special reference to the particular problem of the nationality of married women. These officials will now report to their respective Governments and the next step will be an exchange of views between Governments for the purpose, amongst others, of overcoming the difficulties which have existed in the past regarding the national status of married women.
§ Major SymondsWill my right hon. Friend do what he can to see that these discussions are not unduly prolonged and that this country will follow the excellent lead already given by Canada and Australia in this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterI will certainly see that the discussions are not unduly prolonged, but I would not like to anticipate any decision at the moment.
§ Sir T. MooreMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the discussions to which he refers have retrospective application to women concerned in the last war, of whom I have forwarded him a number of examples?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is obviously a matter to be considered if at any time legislation should be introduced.