§ MR. LAMBERT (Devonshire, South Molton)To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the acquisition by the Government of the Straits Settlements of the undertaking known as the Tanjong Paga Dock Company is in consequence of directions given by the Colonial Secretary; and, if so, what is the object of such acquisition; and whether it is, or is not, intended to establish a naval station in Singapore.
Answered by Mr. Secretary Lyttelton.) The Answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. The grounds of public policy on which this decision was based are fully explained in a despatch addressed by me to the Governor of the colony on the 4th November last, a copy of which I shall be happy to communicate to the hon. Member. I am not aware that the Admiralty contemplate any alteration in the existing naval arrangement with regard to Singapore.