§ 101. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Defence if he is aware of the feeling of uncertainty among the staff of the naval. military and air bases at Singapore as a result of the contemplated defence cuts; and if he will give an assurance that there is no intention at present of dismissing large numbers of men, and that when reductions take place every effort will be made to reabsorb the men in other occupations or to give adequate compensation.
§ Mr. SandysThe new defence policy is still being worked out in detail, and I cannot yet say what its effect will be on the level of employment provided by the Services at Singapore. Should reductions on a substantial scale prove to be necessary, Her Majesty's Government will consult the Singapore Government with a view to minimising hardship.