§ Q7. Mr. Ginsburgasked the Prime Minister if he will have consultations with the political parties with a view to proposing a Speaker's Conference on the franchise rights of Commonwealth and Southern Irish people resident in this country.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I do not at present see a sufficient case for asking Mr. Speaker to convene a Conference on these matters.
§ Mr. GinsburgIn view of the anxiety which exists, may we have an assurance that no limitation of the franchise is expected? Would the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind that the Government will be creating two categories of citizens—a member of one of which can vote, become a Member of Parliament, perhaps even Prime Minister, but will still be liable to deportation under the new legislation?
§ The Prime MinisterThere are two categories of residents in this country—that is quite true. A Commonwealth citizen, if resident here, is entitled to vote because he is a British subject. That comes under the British Nationality Act, 1948. But a Southern Irish citizen resident in this country is also entitled to vote, although not, of course, a British citizen. That comes under the Ireland Act, 1949, which has the effect that citizens of the Irish Republic continue to have the same rights as British subjects.
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerWill the right hon. Gentleman look at this again? The apparent effect of the Bill is that someone who car vote or even be elected to this House might, under the Bill, be liable to deportation. That would be a very great change in our normal procedure.
§ The Prime MinisterA great change, and, on the whole, undesirable.