HC Deb 04 July 1917 vol 95 cc1127-8W
Major HUNT

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now give the number of people of enemy nationality now interned and the number of those who are not interned?

Sir G. CAVE

The latest figures available show that the number of male alien, enemies interned is about 30,000, and that the total number of persons of German and Austrian nationality, male and female, of all ages at liberty is about 22,000. Of these, about 10,000 are women, 4,000 of the males are of friendly race, and a large proportion of the remainder are aged and infirm.

Major HUNT

asked the Home Secretary if he can now give the number of people of enemy nationality or origin in the United Kingdom who have changed their names since the 3rd August, 1914?

Sir G. CAVE

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer to his question on the 9th November last, when my predecessor explained to him that persons of enemy nationality have been prohibited from changing their names during the War. As regards persons of enemy origin, the information asked for is not available.

Major HUNT

asked the Home Secretary if he can now state the number of people of enemy nationality in the United Kingdom who have become naturalised since the 3rd of August, 1914?

Sir G. CAVE

Excluding British-born women readmitted to British nationality, 146 Germans and 44 Austrians have been naturalised between the 4th August, 1914, and the 30th June last. All but nine were naturalised in 1914 and 1915, and none since November, 1916.