HC Deb 13 April 1984 vol 58 cc421-2W
Mr. Ron Brown

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the reasons for granting Zola Budd British citizenship.

Mr. Waddington

Miss Budd's father is a British citizen by descent who with his wife and daughter decided to come to live in this country, as they were entitled to do. Miss Budd did not automatically acquire her father's British citizenship, but while she is a minor could apply to be registered under section 3(1) of the British Nationality Act 1981. My right hon. and learned Friend in granting the application took into account all the circumstances including her father's connection with the United Kingdom and her own apparently exceptional talent and express wish to try to qualify to represent this country at athletics.