HC Deb 01 May 1922 vol 153 cc990-1W
Sir B. CHADWICK

asked the Prime Minister whether it will be possible to bring forward the Bill which has been drafted for the purpose of amending the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914, so as to provide for the acquisition of British nationality by children born of British subjects abroad as soon as the assent of Canada and Newfoundland is obtained; whether the absence of the assent of Canada and Newfoundland is the only obstruction to the introduction of this Bill; whether, having regard to the great injustice to British subjects that exists under present conditions and the long period that this matter has been before both the British and the Colonial Governments, he will state what reasons are given for the delay in giving their assent; and will he press this important matter to a conclusion without further delay?

Mr. SHORTT

The concurrence of all the self-governing Dominions in these proposed amendments of the Act has now been obtained. Steps will be taken immediately with a view to the introduction of the necessary legislation.