§ 3. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what consultations have taken place between the Singapore Government and that of the Federation of Malaya on the subject of economic integration of the two communities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. J. AmeryI can, of course, speak only for Singapore. There is continuous consultation between the two Governments on matters of common economic interest, but I am not aware of any discussion of integration as such.
§ Mr. AwberyAlthough the Minister is not able to speak for the Federation, he can, as representative of Singapore, approach the Federation. Because there is a need for unity between these two countries—the Federation and Singapore —which are a natural unit, cannot he approach the Federation with a view to bringing about such a unity?
§ Mr. AmeryThe hon. Member will appreciate that some of these matters are election issues at the present time in Singapore, and it would be unwise for me to comment on them. It has always been the declared policy of Her Majesty's Government that the future relationship of Singapore and the Federation are primarily matters for the people and the Governments of the two territories to determine.
§ Mr. CallaghanIs it the case that these matters are the subject of an election at the present time and that all the major parties standing in the election are in favour of close economic unity with the Federation of Malaya?
§ Mr. AmeryAll parties, I am sure, wish to see most continuous and close consultation between the two elements. There is a great deal of discussion going on in Singapore at the present time, and it would be much wiser if Ministerial spokesmen did not comment on these questions at this stage.