§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure that persons who have been resident in the United Kingdom for at least 10 years and whose application for British citizenship has been turned down will be given the reason for refusal. [263]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe question of giving reasons for decisions on applications for British citizenship is currently before the courts. We are reviewing our practice and shall continue to do so in the light of the judgment of the House of Lords. It would not be appropriate for the length of a person's residence in the United Kingdom alone to determine whether reasons are given.