HC Deb 11 December 1929 vol 233 c460
71. Major GLYN

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any expenditure falling upon Army funds in connection with the military defences of the island of Singapore has been suspended as a, result of the decision of the Admiralty not to proceed further with the naval base?

The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. T. Shaw)

The decision of the Government, as announced to the Rouse by the First Lord of the Admiralty on 13th November, was that the Government has decided that the work already contracted for at Singapore should be slowed down as much as possible, that all work that could be suspended should be suspended, and that no new work should be embarked on pending the results of the work of the Five-Power Conference. This policy is being followed by the War Office, no new orders are being given, and where work can be retarded or suspended, that is being done.

Commander SOUTHBY

Is the House to understand that Singapore is directly connected with the Five-Power Conference?

Mr. SHAW

The House is to understand what has been quite plainly stated over and over again.

Commander SOUTHBY

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply mean, in fact, that the Singapore Base is directly connected with the Five-Power Conference?

Mr. SHAW

The reply means exactly what it says. It is a plain answer to the question on the paper.

Sir F. HALL

Is it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman does not understand whether it does or does not?