HC Deb 17 March 1969 vol 780 cc24-5
31. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Common wealth Affairs why the business community in Singapore was not given the opportunity to represent its views in private to the Duncan Committee when it visited Singapore.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

As my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs informed the hon. Gentleman on 10th February, representatives of the business community met members of the Committee at the High Commissioner's house. On that occasion, those who wished to do so were able to speak privately to the visitors.—[Vol. 777, c. 197–8.]

Mr. Biggs-Davison

If that is so, how is it that there is this feeling in Singapore that the committee dealt in generalities, and that there were not adequate working sessions for practical discussions?

Mr. Roberts

With respect, that is not the information I have. I am informed that the meeting with the representatives of the British business community which preceded the lunch—time was set apart from lunch for this discussion—brought out a number of very useful and constructive ideas about further improving the co-operative efforts between the business community in Singapore and Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service.