§ Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the status and rights relating to movement, citizenship and voting of citizens of the old Commonwealth, patrials and non-patrials, citizens of the new Commonwealth, patrials and non-patrials, citizens of Eire, and citizens of European Economic Community countries, respectively, after Great Britain enters the European Economic Community on 1st January, 1973.
§ Mr. LaneNo distinction is made between citizens of the old and new Commonwealth as such.
In general, since 1962 Commonwealth citizens have only been allowed to come and settle here if they first obtained employment vouchers. Under the Immigration Act, 1971, work permits issued to Commonwealth citizens will in the first place be limited to 12 months, and will no longer carry the right of permanent settlement, either for the immigrant or his family. However, under the terms of that Act any Commonwealth citizen whose mother or father was born in the United Kingdom will be regarded as patrial and as such will have the right of abode in this country and thus be free from immigration control. All Commonwealth citizens will continue to enjoy full civic privileges, including the right to vote and the capacity to fill posts not open to aliens, such as membership of the armed services, the Civil Service and the police. Citizens of the Republic of Ireland will also enjoy these privileges. Commonwealth citizens will not have to complete landing and embarkation cards, they will not have to report to the police during their stay in this country and they will continue to be able to come to the United Kingdom as working holidaymakers for periods of up to three years.
Nationals of EEC member States are free to move from one member State to another, to take employment or set up in business. The definition of United Kingdom nationals for this purpose includes all citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies who have the right of abode under Section 2 of the Immigration Act, 1971, but not citizens of independent Commonwealth countries with the right of abode. Citizens of the Republic of 377W Ireland benefit from the free movement arrangements.
Commonwealth and Irish citizens may apply for registration as citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies after they have completed five years' ordinary residence, and foreign nationals may apply for naturalisation after five years' residence.