§ 108. Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what has been the total and inclusive cost to date of Lord Killearn's organisation in Singapore; what was the total of the European employees of this organisation on the 30th 252W June, 1947; and from what date it ceases activities.
§ Mr. MayhewThe total expenditure incurred up to 30th June last was £424,300. This includes a sum of £159,300 for the purchase, building and repair of living accommodation but it excludes the cost of the Broadcasting Unit. The total number of Europeans employed, excluding the Broadcasting Unit, in March last was 146. Information regarding expenditure up to the end of October and the number of Europeans employed on 30th June is being obtained. There is no question of the cessation of the organisation of the Special Commissioner in South-East Asia at Singapore. It has been decided, however, in the interests of economy, that the posts of Special Commissioner and Governor-General, Malaya, shall be amalgamated some time in the first half of 1948. From then on, Mr. Malcolm MacDonald will assume the functions of both offices, the exercise of which will continue unimpaired.