§ Mr. LAMBERTasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the estimated cost of the Singapore Base to be borne by the Navy, Army and Air Force Votes, respectively; what are the totals of the Dominions contributions; and what will be the total cost to the British Exchequer?
§ Mr. P. SNOWDENThe cost of the Base, under the arrangements approved by the late Government, was estimated to be approximately£11,600,000, of which approximately£9,000,000 would fall on Navy Votes,£2,000,000 on Army Funds, and 2600,000 on Air Funds. The contributions promised by the Dominion and Colonial Governments amount to£3,250,000. The balance payable by the British Exchequer would therefore be approximately£8,350,000. As has already been announced in the House, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to slow down work on the Base as far as possible pending the results of the work of the Naval Conference; and the above estimates may require revision in consequence.