'Unionist Member for. Richmond, asked what amount. had been' expended on the plans for enlarging' the Singapore Base, what amount would be necessary. to complete the scheme and whether it was contemplated that Australia and New Zealand would contribute, Mr. W. C, Bridgeman, the First Lord of the Admiralty, replied that £90,500 had been expended. The original estimate amounted to £11,- 000,000 to be spread over nine years. Mr, Bridgeman recalled thi Australia and New Zealand expressed willingness to contribu before the plans- were suspended While their contributions would still be welcome, it would be necessary for their Governments to revi the matter in the light of thei present financial commitments in regard to naval defence and it would be premature to forecast their decision—Reuter.
Melbourne, Dee. 11, Mr, 8. M. Bruce has issued a statement to the effect that as a consequence of the recent expendi ture on defence schemes Parliament must first consider Australia's contribution in connexion with the Singapore base—Reuter,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.