HC Deb 28 April 1947 vol 436 cc1522-3
41. Lady Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the children born to the Soviet wives of British Servicemen are considered to be British subjects.

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, Sir, if the father was born on British soil, the children would be considered to be British subjects, but not necessarily by the Soviet authorities.

Lady Grant

Will His Majesty's Government ensure that the British status of these children will not be prejudiced by their enforced birth and present compulsory residence in the Soviet Union?

Mr. Mayhew

The fact that the children are British subjects does not necessarily mean that they are not also Soviet subjects.

Captain Marsden

Could the hon. Gentleman ensure that future births relating to these marriages should take place within the British Embassy, as that is not an uncommon occurrence?

Mr. Hector Hughes

Can my hon. Friend say how many such children there are, where they are, and what steps are being taken to bring them within British jurisdiction?

Mr. Mayhew

Not without notice.

Mr. Gammans

Can the hon. Gentleman say how a child can be a British subject as well as a Russian subject?