§ 19. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether work is proceeding on the battleship docking and repair plant and facilities at the new Singapore naval base?
Mr. ALEXANDERIn accordance with the terms of the answer which I gave in this House on 13th November last (OFFICIAL REPORT, Columns 1986–7), work is proceeding on the main works contract, which includes the provision of a graving dock, pending the further consideration of the matter to which I referred in my answer of the 17th of this month to my hon. and gallant Friend (OFFICIAL REPORT, Column 3104).
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes that mean that we are going on with the facilities for battleship repairs at Singapore with no alteration, in spite of the Conference which has just been concluded?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe main contract, which was entered into in September, 1928, is going on, and we have stopped all other additional work for the time being: but we felt that it would not he economical, in view of the work already done, to make any changes at the moment. We intend, however, as already announced, to give immediate considera- 184 tion to the whole position, but that must be done in consultation with the Dominions.