§ 17. Mr. LAMBERTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what has been the expenditure to the latest available date on the new Singapore Base; what is the estimated total expenditure and what sums have been contributed by the Dominions; how much of the Dominion contributions has been spent; and when it is expected the base will be complete?
Mr. ALEXANDERThe total expenditure on the Singapore Base, including the Floating Deck, which has been met from Navy Votes to the latest available date is £2,577,000. The estimated total expenditure is £8,721,000. Contributions have been received by the Admiralty from the Dominions and Colonies to the extent of £1,672,000, the whole of which has been applied towards the naval expenditure incurred to date. These figures relate to Navy Funds only and do not cover expenditure from or contributions appropriated in aid of Army or Air Votes. The date for completion of the main contract is September, 1935, and about two years further will be required 406 for equipment of the Base, and completion of the machinery installation, making the final date for completion the end of 1937. These dates are subject to the effect of any decision which may be given consequent on a review of the policy which as I have already intimated to the House is to be undertaken in consultation with the Overseas Governments concerned.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWhen is the review of policy to take place? Is it to be decided at the Imperial Conference?
Mr. ALEXANDERConsultation with the Dominions will take place at the Imperial Conference. The consultation with the other Overseas Governments affected will go on direct.
§ Mr. LAMBERTMeanwhile is the Base being constructed now at full blast?
Mr. ALEXANDERNo. I have already told the House that nothing is being done at present except to proceed with the Jackson contract; that is the main contractors' contract. All the other works, armaments, etc., are suspended.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREWill the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to state the final decision of His Majesty's Government in regard to the Imperial Conference?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat matter does not arise out of the question.
Lieut. - Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLIf the Dominions are desirous of the Dock being completed, will the Government go full speed ahead and follow out the desires of the Dominions?
§ 51. Mr. LAMBERTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what amount has been spent on Air Force works at Singapore and what is the Air Force garrison it is proposed to station there when the base is completed?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Mr. Montague)The answer to the first part of the question is that approximately £358,000 has been spent to date. As regards the second part, the strength of the Air Forces which will 407 normally be stationed at Singapore as at present contemplated is one squadron of flying boats and one squadron of land machines, apart from any Fleet Air Arm units which may from time to time be disembarked there.
§ Mr. LAMBERTIs the expenditure still going on, or has it been suspended pending the result of the deliberations of the Imperial Conference?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEThis is an air base, and the expenditure is going on.
§ Captain CAZALETIs there any aircraft there at the present moment?
§ Mr. MONTAGUEI shall require notice of that question.