§ 18. Mr. PENNYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Government of the Straits Settlements have made any offer to contribute towards the cost of the proposed naval base at Singapore by purchasing, at the expense of the Colony, the land required for the site or otherwise?
§ Mr. AMERYYes, Sir. I am much pleased to be able to inform the House that my Noble Friend the Secretary of State has received a message from the Governor of the Straits Settlements that, with the concurrence of the unofficial members of the Executive and Legislative Councils of the Colony, the site selected both for the naval base and for the aerodrome will be acquired by the Govern- 1328 ment of the Colony and handed over as a free gift. A message has been sent to Sir Laurence Guillemard expressing His Majesty's Government's warm appreciation of this generous and patriotic decision on the part of the Colony.
§ Mr. PENNYCould the right hon. Gentleman say what is the extent of the site that has been granted?
§ Captain BERKELEYWhat proportion will the value of this site bear in relation to the total cost of the dock?
§ Sir GEORGE BERRYDo not look a gift horse in the mouth!
§ Captain BERKELEYMay I have an answer to my question?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member should put it down.