§ 53 and 54. Major Sir C. MORRISON-BELLasked the Prime Minister (1) whether since the Government assumed office there has been any further exchange of views with the various Dominions concerned on the subject of the construction of the Singapore dock; and whether he proposes to lay these communications before this House;
(2) if he can now state the Government decision with respect to the proposed dock at Singapore; and, if its construction is not to be carried out, what steps will be taken alternatively to safeguard our naval interests in the Far East which the dock was originally intended to serve?
§ 56. Viscount CURZONasked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government have arrived at any decision upon the question of the Singapore naval base?
§ 63. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Prime Minister if he is now in a position to make any statement on the intentions of the Government with regard to the Singapore naval base; and whether he proposes to lay any Papers on the subject before the House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe Government are in communication with the Governments of the Dominions and India in this matter, but I hope, at an early date to be in a position to indicate the policy of the Government.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us when the Navy Estimates will be laid before the House, and will there then be a declaration of the policy of the Government?
§ Viscount CURZONIf I repeat my question this day week, will the Prime Minister be able u> give me an answer?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI cannot say how long it will take the Dominions to give me their answer.
§ Sir C. MORRISON-BELLDoes "an early date" mean before Easter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERCertainly.