HC Deb 20 November 1941 vol 376 cc482-3W
Mr. Hannah

asked the Home Secretary whether he will consider shortening the time needed to obtain British nationality for such aliens as have married British subjects and intend permanently to live in this country?

Mr. H. Morrison

All applicants for naturalisation are required by the existing law to show that they intend either to reside in His Majesty's Dominions or to enter or continue in the service of the Crown. If an applicant who has resided in this country for the prescribed period has a British-born wife this is one of the factors taken in account in considering his application and estimating the strength of his ties with this country; but I could not recommend legislation amending the law so as to enable such a person to qualify for naturalisation before he has the period of residence prescribed by the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act.