§ 144 and 146. Sir B. Neven-Spenceasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether, in view of the congestion in the harbours of Singapore and Part Swettenham and the consequent delays in the delivery of materials urgently required for the rehabilitation of Malaya and its inhabitants, he will grant priority for the work of restoring the dock facilities;
(2) whether, in view of the delays to ocean tonnage awaiting berths at Singapore, he will grant further priority for the repair of damaged go-downs.
Mr. Creech JonesMy right hon. Friend is doing all in his power to expedite the supply of materials and equipment for the rehabilitation of Malayan ports, including 223W Singapore and Port Swettenham. Considerable quantities have already left and every effort is being made to procure and ship the remaining requirements without any avoidable delay. The supply position in the case of certain materials, for example, corrugated iron sheets which are essential for roofing go-downs, is, however, so difficult that it may be some time before all requirements can be met.