Oral Answers to Questions — German Ex-Prisoners (Naturalisation)

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 24 July 1952.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr Tom Driberg Mr Tom Driberg , Maldon 12:00, 24 July 1952

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many German ex-prisoners of war, now settled permanently in this country, have intimated that they wish to apply for naturalisation; how soon applications from these men will be considered; and how many have been granted naturalisation already for special reasons.

Photo of Mr David Maxwell Fyfe Mr David Maxwell Fyfe , Liverpool, West Derby

Since July, 1951, when the first enemy prisoners-of-war to be given civilian status had completed five years' residence here as civilians, 78 have applied for naturalisation and 286 have made inquiries about applying. I cannot yet say when it will be possible to consider applications from former prisoners-of-war, but none will be entertained before the beginning of 1954, by which time those Poles who actively served the Allied cause in the war will have had full opportunity of applying. Two former German prisoners-of-war have been granted certificates of naturalisation for special reasons.

Photo of Mr Tom Driberg Mr Tom Driberg , Maldon

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman say what were those special reasons?

Photo of Mr David Maxwell Fyfe Mr David Maxwell Fyfe , Liverpool, West Derby

Because of their records in Crown service.