18. Captain BENNasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what expenditure has been incurred by the naval base at Singapore; and what subvention in aid of the base has been promised by other parts of the Empire?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)The total expenditure up to date amounts to about £117,000—no definite money contribution has, since the decision of the present Government to proceed with the scheme, been offered by other parts of the Empire except the £250,000 gift from Hong Kong which is being drawn upon as required. The Government of the Straits Settlements has purchased and presented the land at a cost of £146,000.
Captain BENNDo the Government intend to postpone further expenditure pending the Disarmament Conference which has been suggested?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo, Sir.
§ Major HORE BELISHAWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether he proposes to postpone further expenditure in view of the decision with regard to Pembroke and Rosyth Dockyards?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANNo, Sir.
§ Mr. WALLHEADDoes not the spirit of Locarno flutter as far as Singapore?
§ 26. Mr. TREVELYANasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any action is contemplated in relation to the resolution passed by the Singapore United Rubber Plantations Company, Limited, urging the Admiralty to pay less wages to coolie labour employed at the naval base on the ground that it is tending to raise the cost of local coolie labour?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANA communication has been received from the company referred to. The Admiralty are investigating the matter in consultation with the Colonial Office.