Mr. Gammonsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to come to a decision regarding the application for naturalisation submitted by Mr. H. Vodvarka, concerning whom representations were made to him by the hon. Member for Hornsey on 8th October, 1946.
§ Mr. Wilkesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Mr. Abraham Paul Goldberg, 5, Alexandra Road, Heaton, Newcastle-on-Tyne, who came to this country in 1882 when he was a few days old and has 230W resided here ever since, has applied for naturalisation; that his application for priority has been refused; whether long residence and good behaviour are factors conferring priority; and whether he will reconsider his decision in this case.
§ Mr. EdeThe purpose of the priority scheme is to enable my Department to select for early consideration the cases of applicants for naturalisation who can show that they rendered special war service or that they can make a substantial contribution to the economic welfare of the nation. The fact that an individual has delayed applying for naturalisation for many years is not a reason for giving him priority at the present time.