§ 47. Commander Courtneyasked the Minister of Defence whether, in view of the continuing political insecurity of the Singapore base and of the fact that the Australian and New Zealand Governments currently spend roughly one-half and one-third, respectively, of the percentage of National Income expended by the United Kingdom on defence, he will consult with the two Dominion Governments concerned for the early establishment of an alternative Commonwealth Naval and Air base in the Far East.
§ Mr. WatkinsonWith regard to Singapore we have reached a very satisfactory agreement with the Malayan Government. So far as the Australian and New Zealand Governments are concerned, we are in continual consultation with them about defence matters of common interest.