asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why a certificate of current school attendance is one of the documents required in respect of an application to register a child as a British national; to what qualification for British nationality this document relates; how parents who have returned to overseas posting accompanied by their child can be expected to produce such a document; and why, if such a document is necessary, it is not asked for at the time of initial application.

I have discretion under Section 7 of the British Nationality Act 1948 to register the minor child of any citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies and, in such special circumstances as I think fit, any minor child. Among the matters taken into account in reaching a decision is whether the child's future is likely to be closely connected with the United Kingdom. It is not always possible to say at the outset pre- cisely what information will be required to establish this; but a certificate of attendance at school may be relevant. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind and would like me to look into it, I should be glad to do so.