HC Deb 26 March 1956 vol 550 cc1772-3
51. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why, under his regulations, he requires the marriage certificate of the parents of an Australian-born applicant, domiciled in the United Kingdom, for a British passport.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)

A British subject born in Australia would normally be an Australian and not a United Kingdom citizen, even if domiciled here, and would not be entitled to a United Kingdom passport. The parents' marriage certificate is required in order to establish that a person who was born outside the United Kingdom and Colonies is a United Kingdom citizen by legitimate descent.

Mrs. Jeger

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman saying that if the parents of the applicant have not been married, a passport will be withheld?

Mr. Lloyd

That would depend upon whether the child had been subsequently legitimised.

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