§ 42. Commander MARSDENasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement with regard to the offer of His Highness the Sultan of Johore to make a gift of £500,000 for acceleration of the works at the Singapore naval base; and, if so, what steps it is proposed to take to carry out His Royal Highness's wishes in this respect?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Ramsay MacDonald)An announcement has already been made that His Majesty's Government gratefully accept this generous gift of £500,000 to Imperial defence for the purpose indicated. The measures to be taken to utilise this gift are now under consideration.
§ Commander MARSDENCan the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the work will be definitely carried out for the purpose of accelerating the termination of the works that are being undertaken?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I have said, the matter is under consideration. I can assure my hon. and gallant friend that the purpose specified by His Highness will be the purpose upon which the money will be spent.
§ Mr. MAXTONWhat is the difference between this personal gift for war purposes, or munition purposes, which has been accepted, and the other offer from a private person, which was refused?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAll the difference in the world.
§ Mr. MAXTONThat is quite clear.