HC Deb 14 April 1949 vol 463 cc258-9W
37. Professor Savory

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what obligation there is on Irishmen, so long as Eire is not a foreign State, to serve notice of their intention to remain British subjects; what statute prescribes Form E.3 for such a notice; what statute prescribes a register for signatories of such form; and what status is conferred by such registration.

Mr. Ede

There is no obligation in this matter. It is however open at any time to any person to whom Section 2 (1) of the British Nationality Act, 1948, applies to give notice, in pursuance of the section, that he wishes to remain a British subject: and his status thereafter is that of a British subject. Persons who are British subjects under other provisions of the law stand in no need to give such a notice. Form E.3 is not prescribed but is provided for the convenience of those giving notice. There is no statutory requirement under this section for the keeping of a register.

Lieut.-Commander Hutchison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what cases it is necessary for a person who was born in Southern Ireland prior to the passage of the Irish Free State (Agreement) Act, 1922, and who desires to remain a British subject, to make an application to that effect; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ede

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave today to the hon. Member for Queen's University of Belfast (Professor Savory).