§ 74. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Air what air defences will be necessary for the protection of the proposed new Singapore base; what will be their cost; and when the necessary work will be commenced?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Major Sir Philip Sassoon)The question is under consideration, but some time must elapse before any decisions are-reached.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it not a fact that there are no air defences at all at Singapore at the present moment, and that we are embarking upon the construction of a great naval base there? How is that?
§ Captain BRASSIs it not a fact that the Fleet Air Arm is perfectly capable of looking after the defences of Singapore?
§ Sir P. SASSOONMy answer is that the whole matter is under consideration and that no decisions have yet been reached. I presume that they will be reached with all the speed that is consonant with all the necessary care being taken.
§ Mr. DALTONAre there air defences in existence there, or not?