§ 14. Mr. LAMBERTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty when the new base at Singapore will be completed; what is the total estimated cost, including the floating dock; and whether it is intended to erect machine shops and other essentials for the repair of battleships?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLThe date for the completion of the Jackson contract is September, 1935, and we have no reason for supposing that it will not be completed by that date. The total estimate for the contract and contingent services, including the preliminary work carried out by the Admiralty, is £5,145,000; and the cost of the floating dock was £971,000. No decision has been made to erect machine shops, etc., for the repair of battleships.
§ Mr. LAMBERTWill the right hon. Gentleman, when he introduces the Estimates, give a little more information on the subject of machine shops and the like?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLIf the right hon. Gentleman will indicate what information he requires, I shall be only too glad to give it.
§ Mr. COCKSWill the Government press on with the work as rapidly as possible to deal with the situation in the Far East?
§ Colonel GRETTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Jackson contract includes the machinery, etc., necessary to equip the Singapore Dock?