HC Deb 20 October 1954 vol 531 c166W
76. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what terms Indians in Singapore can become citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies; what time elapses before they are accepted as citizens; how many, so far, have registered; and what steps have been taken to explain and encourage such registration.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Indians in Singapore who are citizens of India or, under the British Nationality Act, 1948, British subjects without citizenship, can become citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies by registration if they are ordinarily resident in Singapore and have been resident there throughout the preceding 12 months. They are accepted as citizens as soon as they have been registered. 16,548 have so far been registered. A special registration centre and three sub-centres have been established. Wide publicity has been given to the procedure and facilities for registration through the Press and radio and through employers and communal organisations.