§ 2. Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress is being made in the review of the law of citizenship; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Home Office, (Mr. Timothy Raison)We hope to be ready to publish a White Paper before the Summer Recess.
§ Mr. LathamDoes my hon. and learned Friend recall—because he was 1596 heavily involved in helping me on this matter—the case of my constituent who came here from the Bahamas in 1938, served for five years in our Army and has now been told that he cannot have a British passport any more, but that he must have a Bahamian one? Is this not an absurd situation which should be sorted out?
§ Mr. RaisonI am aware of this case. I must point out that when the Bahamas became independent, Parliament provided that people like Mr. Hanna, who had been born there, should become citizens of the Bahamas and cease to be citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies. Parliament also provided entitlement to United Kingdom citizenship by registration, and I know of no insuperable obstacles to Mr. Hanna's being able to do that.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonTo what extent are the Government consulting Commonwealth countries about the position of citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies who would not be accepted as British citizens under any proposed scheme? Can that consultation take place before the White Paper is produced so that we can have some indication of Commonwealth thinking?
§ Mr. RaisonWe are having a number of discussions with Commonwealth Governments on a wide variety of topics to do with nationality.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneWhen the Home Secretary publishes his White Paper will it include provisions for withdrawal of the totally anomalous and unreciprocated right to vote given to citizens of the Irish Republic in this country? If not, why not?
§ Mr. RaisonAs my right hon. Friend said on 26 October, we do not think it appropriate to deal with any voting entitlement in a nationality Bill.