AUSTRALIAN TROOPS FOR SINGAPORE

Mr M. P. D. Nair asked the Chief Minister what consultations have taken place between himself and the Australian Government representatives on the subject of sending Australian troops to Singapore; and whether he will make a statement on the subject, as far as the interests of the people of Singapore are concerned.

The Chief Minister: May it please you, Sir, as I understand the question, it is asking what consultations have taken place between me and the Australian Government representatives on the subject of sending Australian troops to Singapore; and whether I will make a statement in so far as the interests of the people are concerned. I would like to indicate to the hon. Member that there has been no official request to station Australian troops in Singapore, and consequently there have been no formal consultations with the Australian Government representatives on the subject. The House is, however, aware that it has now been decided to station these troops in the Federation. It has always been our view, Sir, that to station Australian troops in Singapore at this political juncture might be misunderstood. In so far as our own defence is concerned, I think I should add, Sir, that it is the view of this Government that it should support the maintenance of British forces in Singapore until such time as we are in a position to provide the means for our defence.