HC Deb 20 June 1956 vol 554 c1426
33. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that Mr. Lim Yew Hock, the new Chief Minister of Singapore, is willing to come back to London for more talks with the Government on the Constitution; and if he will, with a view to breaking the present deadlock, invite Mr. Lim to meet him again.

62. Sir R. Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he now proposes to reopen the discussions on the constitution with the new Chief Minister of Singapore.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Yes, Sir. Mr. Lim Yew Hock has indicated in public pronouncements he has made since becoming Chief Minister that he is aware that the door remains open for further negotiations. I hope that in due course we shall be able to arrange a meeting.

Mr. Awbery

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a settlement must be arrived at in Singapore by negotiation sooner or later, and that a settlement will depend as much upon London as it will upon Singapore? Is the Secretary of State further aware that now is the time for the negotiations to take place, before tragedy raises its ugly head as it has done in Cyprus?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I do not think it would help if I added anything to my answer.

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