§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for naturalisation in the last year have been refused because the applicant's wife has not been resident in Great Britain; and for how long it has been his Department's policy to refuse applications for naturalisation on such grounds.
§ Mr. SharplesDuring the 12 months ending 31st May, 1971, 17 applications for naturalisation have been refused, and in a further seven a decision has been postponed because the circumstances in which the applicant's wife was living abroad cast doubt on whether the applicant satisfied the statutory requirement that, if naturalised, he intended to live in the United Kingdom or a colony or protectorate. In similar circumstances applications have been refused, or postponed, for many years.