§ 8. Brigadier- General CHARTERISasks d the First Lord of the Admiralty if his Department is making arrangements for the recruitment of native labour for 402 the construction of the Singapore Dockyard; and what steps have been taken to ensure that the available supply of labour for local industries is not unduly depleted?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Bridgeman)It is not necessary to make any special arrangements at present, as the numbers of men now employed are sufficient for immediate requirements. The Admiralty officers will consult with the Colonial Government if it becomes necessary to engage any considerable additional number of men.
§ Colonel DAYWhat wages do these men receive?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. PALINGIs there anything of a compulsory nature about the recruitment?
11. Captain CROOKSHANK (for Mr. PENNY)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what are the nationalities of the labourers employed upon the construction of the naval base at Singapore how many of each nationality have been recruited locally; and how many of them have been specially imported for Admiralty work?
Mr. DAVIDSONI regret that I could not reply to the first part of the question without inquiry from Signapore. The laborers employed are all recruited locally.