§ 38. Mr. Draysonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many refugees from Nazi oppression have been granted British naturalisation since 1st January, 1946, and how many of these have served in His Majesty's Forces.
§ Mr. EdeSince 1st January much preliminary work has been done on claims for priority made on the several grounds which I announced, and a large number of cases are in various stages of advancement. Among the certificates actually granted to those who lodged their applications for naturalisation before November, 1940, it is estimated that about 250 have been granted to persons who can be classified as refugees. They include a few who have served in His Majesty's Forces, but the scheme for dealing with applications for priority on the ground of service with His Majesty's Forces did not come into effective operation until April, and it is only now that the first batches of recommendations from the examining tribunals are reaching me.
§ Mr. Quintin HoggCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the number of certificates granted in the relative period, so that we can see what proportion the 250 bears to them?
§ Mr. EdeThe total number of naturalisation certificates between 1st January and 28th April, 1946, was 716. That includes all classes of naturalisation. I may say that we are getting the first dribbles at the moment, and I have no doubt that the stream will flow much more freely in a few weeks' time.