§ 23. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for War the estimated total expenditure which will fall on his Vote on the fortifications and other military works, including barracks for the garrison, required for the new naval base at Singapore?
§ Commodore KINGThe military portion of the scheme is under review as a result of a recent examination on the spot of certain technical problems involved, and I regret that no estimate of the expenditure involved can at present be given.
§ 48. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any estimate has been made by the Treasury of the total expenditure that will fall on various Votes for the cost of the works at Singapore for the new naval base, including the cost of works that will fall on Votes other than the Admiralty Vote?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Churchill)As stated by my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty on the 23rd November, the cost of the base is estimated at £7,750,000. I am not in a position to give an estimate for other ancillary works and 1166 costs falling on other Votes: they are now, and will be continuously kept, under review.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYAm I to understand that the right hon. Gentleman has approved of the work on this base without knowing the total final cost falling on the War Office and Air Ministry Votes?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir. Every definite expenditure of money receives an actual sanction at a particular time, but the rate at which this base will be developed, spreading, as it does, over a good many years, cannot at every stage be accurately foreseen.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes the right hon. Gentleman know that he is evading the Question? In my Question on the Paper I asked for the final estimate. Could not the final cost of batteries and other military works have been arranged and the Treasury asked to sanction them?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThere have been several final estimates like that, and I am glad to say that continued scrutiny has led to their continued reduction.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes the figure given include the cost of maintenance of troops, naval or otherwise, now stationed at Singapore?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir.