§ 4. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what extra expenditure will be incurred through Singapore becoming an independent State and no longer part of Malaysia.
§ Mr. BottomleyI do not envisage any significant extra expenditure as a result of the separation of Singapore from Malaysia.
§ Mr. TilneyMany will regret the divorce of Singapore from Malaysia, but does the right hon. Gentleman envisage any increase in aid to the two countries over all?
§ Mr. BottomleyNo. The question of aid is always considered on its merits at the time, but I think that most of the Commonwealth nations are aware that the British economy today is in a state which makes further aid very difficult to give.
§ 8. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a statement on the effect on British interests of the independence of Singapore and the recent changes in the Federation of Malaysia.
§ Mr. BottomleySince my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has answered two Question from the hon. Member last week on defence aspects, this statement is confined to British interests in other fields. In the industrial and commercial fields new tariffs have been imposed by the Malaysian and Singapore Governments on trade between their countries; however, discussions are proceeding between them on co-operation in economic matters and, if satisfactory agreements are reached, adverse effects on British interests are unlikely. The recent changes have had no effect on the welfare of citizens of the United Kingdom living and working in the two countries. The British Government continues to be in the closest and most friendly relations with both Governments. Hon. Members will have welcomed the announcement by the Commonwealth Secretariat on 16th October of Singapore's admission as a member of the Commonwealth.