asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many naturalisation applications have been granted during the nine months ending 30th September; how this figure compares with the same period in 1938; and how many applications still remain to be examined.

As the figures for last month are available, I am, with permission, including these in my reply. Fifteen thousand and twenty-two certificates of naturalisation were granted in the ten months ended 31st October, 1947, and 1,786 were granted in the same period in 1938. Approximately 19,300 cases, most of them in the Metropolitan area, still remain to be examined.

When does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate that he will be able to overtake arrears and accumulations which have mounted up during the war, and which he refers to now as being about 19,000?

No, the 19,000 include a substantial number of people who have applied since naturalisation was reopened. I think the comparative figures I have given indicate that the authorities are dealing with this subject with considerable expedition, having regard to the important inquiries which must be made before this great privilege is granted to anyone.

Is the Minister in a position to say whether all these naturalised persons are absorbed into industry, and whether they are all doing useful work, and earning their keep?

No, I cannot give any idea of that, but, if a Question is put down, I will endeavour to give the House as much information as is in my possession.