HC Deb 03 December 1970 vol 807 cc1447-8
12. Mr. Wilkinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will facilitate the naturalisation of longstanding British residents who were formerly displaced persons from Eastern Europe and from countries that are now embodied in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Mr. Sharples

Any foreign national who has been living in the United Kingdom for five years satisfies the residential qualifications for naturalisation. My right hon. Friend is not aware of any need to make special arrangements for particular classes of people.

Mr. Wilkinson

Will my hon. Friend take into consideration the fact that all these displaced persons who came into the country after the war greatly contributed to the British economy and way of life? Will he ensure that when new legislation is brought into effect dealing with immigration, their requirements for naturalisation will be brought into line with those of new Commonwealth immigrants?

Mr. Sharples

I do not think that there is any need to make any special provision, but if my hon. Friend has any particular case which he wishes to bring to my notice, I should be happy to hear from him.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Are the rules for aliens' naturalisation and the rules on registration for Commonwealth citizens to be changed in the expected Bill?

Mr. Sharples

The hon. Gentleman will have to await the publication of the Bill.

Mr. Rose

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are many people from Eastern Europe who are living in this country in a state of uncertainty and disquiet? Would he look into their position particularly sympathetically, and would he show the same liberal attitude towards those American citizens in this country who are here because they have refused to fight in the Vietnam war?

Mr. Sharples

The latter part of the hon. Gentleman's question refers to a Question which is already on the Order Paper for answer later.