HL Deb 22 July 1948 vol 157 c1185

After Clause 1, insert the following clause—

Continuance of certain citizens of Eire as British subjects.

("(1) Any citizen of Eire who immediately before the commencement of this Act was also a British subject shall not by reason of anything contained in section one of this Act be deemed to have ceased to be a British subject if at any time he gives notice in writing to the Secretary of State claiming to remain a British subject, on all or any of the following grounds, that is to say—

  1. (a) that he is or has been in Crown service under His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom;
  2. (b) that he is the holder of a British passport issued by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom or the government of any colony, protectorate, United Kingdom mandated territory or United Kingdom trust territory;
  3. (c) that he has associations by way of descent, residence or otherwise with the United Kingdom or with any colony or protectorate or any such territory as aforesaid.

(2) A claim under the foregoing subsection may be made on behalf of a child who has not attained the age of sixteen years by any person who satisfies the Secretary of State that he is a parent or guardian of the child.

(3) If by any enactment for the time being in force in any country mentioned in subsection (3) of section one of this Act provision corresponding to the foregoing provisions of this section is made for enabling citizens of Eire to claim to remain British subjects, any person who by virtue of that enactment is a British subject shall be deemed also to be a British subject by virtue of this section.")

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in this Amendment.

Moved, That this House do agree with the Commons in the said Amendment.—(The Lord Chancellor.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.