§ Lieut.-Commander FLETCHERasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, under the Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1933, minors born in this country, who emigrate with their parents to the United States of America, lose their British nationality if their fathers acquire United States of America nationality, whereas children born in the United States of America of such parents prior to their father's naturalisation retain British nationality; and if he is prepared to take action to correct this apparent anomaly?
§ Mr. LLOYDYes, Sir. There is a clear distinction between the two categories. It must be borne in mind that British law recognises that a child may acquire at birth the nationality of a foreign State in addition to British nationality. The naturalisation of the father in that foreign State does not in any way affect the national status of such a child. On the other hand, if a British subject only acquires a foreign nationality by virtue of the naturalisation of his father in a foreign State, British law provides that he shall thereupon lose British nationality, though he may resume it on attaining his majority. Such a provision appears to be not unreasonable, since the foreign nationality, of the child was acquired not by birth but by the voluntary action of the father.