§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why, in letters to applicants for certificates of naturalisation, the Metropolitan Police Naturalisation Department has to ask the questions set out in the following extract from the circular letter they use for this purpose:—
When the interview takes place you will be required to produce the following items for examination:
(a) Birth certificates for yourself, your wife and family; If applicable (b) Marriage certificate; (c) Passports for yourself and your family; (d) List of names and addresses of relatives and friends living abroad with whom you correspond; (e) Evidence of your income (pay slip): Recent bank statement and bank book: Details of any investments, additional income etc: If you are a director, or are self-employed, Balance Sheets and Profit and Loss Accounts for the last three years; (f) Details of rent or mortgage paid, together with general and water rates; (g) Details of hire purchase repayments or other regular outgoings; (h) A brief life history of yourself. This should include the type of school attended and your age on leaving, your employments both abroad and in the United Kingdom, and a list of your brothers and sisters. If you are a joint applicant this is required to be prepared for every applicant".
§ Lord BelsteadThe appropriate police force is asked in naturalisation cases to make inquiries into all aspects of an applicant's background in order to be satisfied that he is statutorily qualified for naturalisation. The letter quoted by the noble Lord is part of this process.