HC Deb 06 November 1947 vol 443 cc244-5W
90. Lady Grant

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will be in a position to entertain applications for naturalisation from Polish subjects.

Mr. Ede

There is nothing I can add at present to my replies of 27th October and 31st July to the hon. and gallant Members for Newark (Mr. Shephard) and East Renfrew (Major Lloyd).

93. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the aliens branch has further delayed the consideration of applications for naturalisation, some of which have already waited for 18 months, until after the Royal Wedding on the ground that the Special Branch who investigate these applications are too pre-occupied.

Mr. Ede

As shown by the number of certificates granted there has been no delay on the part of the Home Office in dealing with applications for naturalisation, but as the majority of applicants five in the London area there are still heavy arrears of London cases awaiting disposal. Naturalisation inquiries are, of course, only part of the duties which fall on the Special Branch but none the less the number of cases on which the Branch has submitted reports to the Home Office was much larger in September and in October than the monthly average for the last ten months. Every effort is being made to expedite disposal of the cases awaiting action.