§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the present charge levied upon aliens who become naturalised subjects; what is the actual cost to the State, of granting a certificate of naturalisation; whether he has recently had under consideration the desirability of reducing the present charge; and if he is prepared to make any representation to the Treasury?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe fee payable on the grant of a certificate of naturalisation is £5, as it has been for a great number of years. It is impossible to say exactly what is the cost to the State of all the proceedings which are involved in the grant of a certificate; but the costs absorb much the greater portion of the fees. I have recently considered representations that the fee of £5 should be reduced, but I have come to the conclusion that in view of the heavy cost I should not be justified in departing from the decision against reduction which has been previously arrived at by my predecessors.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEasked the Home Secretary what are the present conditions which have to be fulfilled before a certificate of naturalisation is issued; what number of such certificates were issued in 1911; and what number were refused?
§ Mr. McKENNAIn order that his case may be considered, an applicant for naturalisation must satisfy the Secretary of State that he has resided in the United Kingdom or served under the Crown for five years, and intends either to reside in the United Kingdom or to serve under the Crown. It then rests with the Secretary of State—in the words of the Act—"to give or withhold a certificate as he thinks most conducive to the public good." Every case is considered on its merits. In the year 1911, 1,537 aliens were naturalised or readmitted to British nationality, and 242 applications were refused.