§ Mr. D. SOMERVILLEasked the Home Secretary why no explanation is ever given of the refusal of naturalisation; and whether, in the interest of equitable treatment, he will consider the alteration of this policy?
§ Mr. CLYNESIt is provided by the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914, that the grant of a certificate of naturalisation shall be in the absolute discretion of the Secretary of State, who may, with or without assigning any reason, give or withhold the certificate as he thinks most conducive to the public2162W good. It has always been the practice, based on the Statute, not to give reasons for refusal. It would often be to the disadvantage of the applicant to state reasons and I do not think that the interests of equitable treatment would be served by any change.