§ MR. CLAUDE HAY (Shoreditch, Hoxton)To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, having regard to the large amount of money the Government propose to expend upon the Tanjong Pagon Dock and Quays at Singapore recently acquired by the Government, he is aware that the mercantile community of Singapore have expressed themselves at meetings and otherwise as strongly opposed to the construction of the Teluk Ayer Quay recently commenced; whether the unofficial members of the Legislative Council have protested against the expenditure of one million of money upon the Teluk Ayer Quay as wasteful; and what steps the Government propose to take, if any, to meet the wishes of the commercial interests involved.
(Answered by Mr. Churchill.) This question has been fully considered, and the decision to include the proposed works in the Government programme was carried in the Legislative Council by a large majority. The unofficial members were divided in opinion. The Secretary of State has approved the proposals, and a contract has been entered into for carrying out the works.