§ 31. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps are being taken to ascertain the views of the people of Malaya and Singapore on the question of merging the two territories which are now separated politically but are geographically, culturally and economically, one unit.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThis is not a matter in which Her Majesty's Government would wish to take any initiative except at the request of the elected Governments of both territories.
§ Mr. AwberyWill the Minister give an undertaking that he will favourably consider any request which comes from both the Federation and Singapore as far as the merger is concerned?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have nothing to add to the statement which I have made on this matter. The initiative must rest with the elected Governments themselves.