18. Mr. Jacksonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the talks he had with the Government of Singapore on the future of British bases there.
§ 24. Sir G. Sinclairasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what consultations he has had with the Government of Singapore about the local economic and political consequences of the forthcoming reduction of British troops in the base.
§ Mr. BowdenThe purpose of my visit to the Far East was to meet Commonwealth Ministers and see something of their countries. I did, however, take the opportunity of mentioning to the Prime Minister of Singapore our intention to make some reduction of the base facilities in Singapore by the end of next year, as disclosed in this House on 27th February by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence. I told him that details had yet to be worked out and assured him that there would of course be full prior consultation between the two Governments.
Mr. JacksonBearing in mind that it is less than two years before we make major reductions in the bases, and also bearing in mind the situation in Malta, 1431 does not my right hon. Friend agree that there should be an urgent examination of the problem of unemployment caused by closing down bases? Can he say whether the Ministry of Overseas Development will be involved here, as in Malta?
§ Mr. BowdenIt must be borne in mind that the initial run-down of forces east of Suez is the result of the end of confrontation. That involves about 13,000 men, as was announced by the Secretary of State for Defence. This is clearly understood by the Prime Minister of Singapore. In his speech in the House while I was away my right hon. Friend mentioned a further figure of between 5,000 and 10,000 men. It is in respect of that figure that I promised full consultation with the Prime Minister of Singapore.
§ Sir H. HarrisonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I led a delegation of all parties in this House to Singapore five years ago, when the Governor brought home to us very clearly how much importance was to be attached to the question of the employment of the local civilians in the island of Singapore? Will the right hon. Gentleman see that if this run-down takes place these jobs will not be jeopardised?
§ Mr. BowdenI am aware of the situation in Singapore. I know that at the moment the unemployment rate is 12 per cent. This situation is very much in our minds.