Mr. E. HARVEYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that many applications for naturalisation made years ago have not yet been dealt with by his Department, and that there is no prospect of the present limited staff being able to cope with the arrears; whether he will consider an enlargement of the staff, which will make it possible to avoid the present delays; and whether there are competent ex-service men available for this purpose?
Mr. HENDERSONI am aware that there are many applications for naturalisation which have not yet been decided upon, notwithstanding that a considerable period has elapsed since they were first submitted. I would point out, however, that the lapse of time is inevitable in numerous cases in which length of residence is itself a factor for consideration. It is therefore by no means merely a question of staff. Any difficulty that may have arisen on this score is, I believe, in process of being remedied, and I am prepared to deal without any undue delay 613W with all cases where the applicants are in a position to satisfy me that they may properly be given the privilege of British nationality.
§ Sir J. PENNEFATHERasked the Home Secretary if his atention has been drawn to an advertisement, apparently inserted by or for the Home Office, which refers to a person applying for naturalisation and which only contains the names of the applicant and not his address; and if he will give instructions that such advertisements must in future also contain the full address of the applicant?
Mr. HENDERSONThe hon. Baronet has been good enough to supply me with a copy of an advertisement published by an applicant for naturalisation which does not give the address of the applicant. I am much obliged to him, but the rule and the practice are as I stated in my reply to his question last week. This particular case has not been proceeded with, and will not be until the applicant has complied with the rules.