§ 2.42 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT BUCKMASTERMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether in view of recent events they are prepared to revise the present procedure for naturalisation of foreigners to the extent of insisting that the names of sponsors should be published in the Press.]
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT JOWITT)My Lords, this matter was fully debated on the Motion moved by the noble Lord, Lord Vansittart, in this House on December 13 last. His Majesty's Government have given further consideration to the matter but do not think that any grounds have since arisen which would make it necessary in the public interest to publish the names of sponsors to an application for naturalisation.
§ LORD VANSITTARTMy Lords, seeing that security arrangements obviously leave a great deal to be desired in various aspects, would the Government be prepared to appoint a Committee to review the whole subject in its broadest sense?
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORThis matter has been under most careful consideration. I do not think that is necessary.