HC Deb 22 February 1926 vol 192 cc57-8W
Mr. SCURR

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India has been asked to contribute towards the cost of the construction and maintenance of the proposed naval base at Singapore; and, if not, whether it is proposed to ask for such a contribution?

Earl WINTERTON

The reply to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Mr. SCURR

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia has been asked to contribute towards the cost of the construction and maintenance of the proposed naval base at Singapore; and, if not, whether it is proposed to ask for such a contribution?

Mr. AMERY

As I stated on the 11th March last, in the course of a reply to a question by the hon. Member for Acton (Sir H. Brittain), to which I would refer the hon. Member, the Commonwealth Government have initiated a naval defence programme, which they will necessarily have to take into account in considering the extent to which in present circumstances they can co-operate in the development of the Singapore base. So far as I am aware, the question of such co-operation has not been brought before the Commonwealth Parliament.