HC Deb 02 December 1943 vol 395 cc555-6W
Viscount Hinchingbrooke

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens have become naturalised British citizens since 3rd September, 1939; whether facilities are granted to aliens serving in His Majesty's Forces more readily than to civilians; and whether the Government's naturalisation policy is in accord with that of the Government of the United States as regards aliens serving in the armed forces of their respective countries?

Mr. H. Morrison

Between 1st September, 1939, and 31st October, 1943, there have been 3,633 certificates granted to British born women who had lost British nationality by marriage. In addition 1,327 certificates were granted in other cases in the early months of the war before the policy of restricting naturalisation work was adopted. Since 1st September, 1940, the certificates granted to persons other than British born women have numbered only 354. The answer to the second and third parts is in the negative. There are many aliens besides those serving in the Forces who are rendering valuable service to the Allied cause. Furthermore, persons admitted as immigrants into the U.S.A. were so admitted after proper selection with a view to their becoming permanent citizens in due course whereas in this country many have been admitted for temporary refuge with a view to going elsewhere.