BRITISH NATIONALITY AND STATUS OF ALIENS BILL.

HL Deb 27 July 1922 vol 51 cc886-7

Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.

THE EARL OF ONSLOW

My Lords, this Bill is a short measure to amend the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Acts, 1914 and 1918, so as to enable the British nationality of children of subsequent generations born abroad to be maintained. At present only children of the first generation born of British parents outside British territory acquire British nationality. This Bill will enable British nationality to be maintained through successive generations by complying with certain conditions as to registration at birth, and renewal of the registration of the persons who are registered when they attain their majority. The proposals effecting this amendment in the Law were laid before the Conference of Dominion Prime Ministers last June, and the principle was recommended by them to their Governments. Since then the concurrence of the Dominion Governments has been obtained. I may also add that urgent communications have been received from British communities abroad for the preservation of the British status of their descendants born abroad, and there is generally, I think, throughout this country a very strong feeling in favour of this Bill. I beg to move.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 2^a;.—(The Earl of Onslow.)

LORD LAMINGTON

Would the noble Earl explain how this Bill will stand in relation to the laws in foreign countries? For instance, I understand that any child born in France is allowed to be French. I believe the same principle applies in other countries.

THE EARL OF ONSLOW

I cannot answer the noble Lord offhand, but my impression is that this Bill would not affect the law of another country. It is merely the law of this country.

On Question, Bill read 2^a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.