§ 18. Mr. Hordernasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will allow the claim of Mr. Eric Kruger to be a citizen of the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. CallaghanI regret that Mr. Kruger cannot at present be regarded as qualified for registration as a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies. If he should return to this country to 1445 settle, I would be prepared, in virtue of my statutory powers, to register him as a citizen after a short period of ordinary residence.
§ Mr. HordernDoes not the Home Secretary realise that Mr. Kruger has never set foot in Lesotho, that his father was a distinguished servant of the Crown and a citizen of the United Kingdom, and that his son ought also to be? Therefore, can he not exercise his discretion in this matter?
§ Mr. CallaghanYes, Sir, I thought chat was what I had already indicated. I have further considered the matter since the hon. Gentleman put down his Question. But he has not given all the facts. For some years now, I believe for six years, the son has been resident abroad. He was at school here for a long period, and I think that because of that, once he returns—I cannot do it while he is abroad—I can after a relatively short period, perhaps a few months, ensure that he is registered as a citizen of the United Kingdom.