§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Defence to what extent he has given consideration to the withdrawal of forces from Singapore either as a whole or in part; whether he has consulted Commonwealth Governments in the Far East for alternative requirements; whether representations have been made to him from Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Malayan Prime Minister, about the future use of Singapore as a South-East Asia Treaty Organisation base; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WatkinsonIt is expected that defence issues will be among the subjects discussed in the talks to be held with Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Prime Minister of the Federation of Malaya, on the suggested closer association between the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo, Brunei and Sarawak. Her Majesty's Ministers in the United Kingdom are of course in constant touch with the other Commonwealth Governments concerned in these matters. It would be premature to make a statement at this stage.
TERRITORIAL ARMY STRENGTH — Officers Other Ranks Male Female Male Female Total 1st January, 1961 … … … … 10,672 587 108,693 5,475 125,427 31st August, 1961 … … … … 9,710 537 94,899 4,339 109,485
TERRITORIAL ARMY INTAKE PERIOD 1ST JANUARY-31ST AUGUST, 1961 — Officers Other Ranks Total Male Female Male Female 442 33 13,224 677 14,376