HC Deb 19 December 1941 vol 376 cc2241-2
Mr. Pethick-Lawrence

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make with regard to the Mission to the Far East, entrusted to the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in July last?

Mr. Attlee

Yes, Sir. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has been appointed Resident Minister of Cabinet rank at Singapore for Far Eastern Affairs where he will preside over a War Council. He will serve under, and report directly to, the War Cabinet, and will perform functions in the Far East broadly similar to those performed by the Minister of State at Cairo. Thus, he will relieve the Commanders-in-Chief, so far as possible, of various extraneous responsibilities with which they have hitherto been burdened, and he will facilitate the settlement on the spot of certain matters which would otherwise have to be referred to several Departments at home.

Mr. Granville

In view of the criticism in the Dominion Press of the shortage of aircraft in Malaya, may I ask whether the Commonwealth of Australia were consulted before that appointment was made, and whether they agreed to it?

Mr. Attlee

The Government of Australia are represented on the Council over which my right hon. Friend presides.

Mr. Granville

Was the Commonwealth consulted before that appointment was made?

Mr. Attlee

I must have notice of that Question.