HC Deb 17 July 1929 vol 230 cc414-5
29. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any decision has been arrived at with regard to the further construction of the battleship base at Singapore; and, if not, when such decision may be expected?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I have nothing to add to the reply (OFFICIAL REPORT, cols. 499–500) given by the Prime Minister on 8th July to the hon. Member for Northampton (Mr. Malone).

Mr. LAMBERT

When may a decision be expected?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I think the Prime Minister explained on the 8th that there were very important and difficult matters to be taken into account because of the way matters have to be arranged, and it is hardly fair to press for a date, especially when the right hon. Member considers that the Dominions have to be consulted.

Mr. LAMBERT

Will the decision be made before the Summer Recess?

Mr. ALEXANDER

I certainly could not say that on behalf of my Department. It affects other Departments as well, and I could not give a date without consultation with them.

Lieut-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Will it not cost as much to abandon the dock as to carry it out?

88. Mr. LAMBERT

asked the Secretary of State for War the total estimated cost of the military defences necessitated by the construction of a battleship base at Singapore; and the estimated number of the garrison for which these estimates provide?

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

All questions in connection with the Singapore Base are at present under the consideration of the Government, and, pending a decision, I would prefer, with the right hon. Member's permission, to postpone a statement on the point.

Mr. LAMBERT

Has the right hon. Gentleman answered the question on the Paper: what is the total estimated cost of the military defences?

Mr. SHAW

I think the answer I gave really covers that point The right hon. Member asks the total estimated cost of the military defences necessitated by the construction of a battleship base at Singapore. Surely the estimated cost will depend on the size of the base and the policy adopted with regard to it.

Mr. LAMBERT

Are not the figures in the Army Estimates?

Commander WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us the number of the garrison?

Mr. SHAW

I do not think that arises out of the question.