asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what proportion of the £11,000,000, estimated to be spent on providing accommodation for British battleships at Singapore, will be spent. on British labour and materials, and how much on foreign labour and materials?

Of the estimate of £11,000,000, it is anticipated that approximately one-half will he expended on materials, which will be obtained from sources within the British Empire where such a course is practicable and economical. The balance of the estimate will be expended in payment of labour and supervising staff. It is probable that foremen and higher grades of supervising staff will be British or Colonial. Workmen, and staff grades below foremen, will be recruited locally if possible.