§ 40. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what decisions were reached at the Annual Conference of British Governors, High Commissioners, ambassadors, senior officials and heads of the Armed Services in the Far East, in Singapore last month, with regard to the future military and strategic value of Singapore; and to what extent the Government of Singapore will be consulted on any decisions reached.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ian Harvey)None, Sir. The conference of senior United Kingdom Representatives and officials in the area is held annually on the initiative of the Commissioner-General for the United Kingdom in South-East Asia to discuss matters affecting the whole region. The purpose of the meeting is to afford an opportunity for those attending to exchange views informally on the questions which face Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom in the area. 386 The question of taking decisions does not arise at this meeting.
§ Mr. RankinThe Joint Under-Secretary will realise that he has evaded the last part of my Question. If we are to recognise the right of Singapore to self-government, towards which she is advancing, surely, if we are to have a military base there, we want it to be on solid political foundations. Why, then, has the Government of Singapore not been consulted in these matters?
§ Mr. HarveyThe hon. Member will know that questions relating to political developments in Singapore are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary.