asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the latest developments in the constitutional negotiations in British Malaya; and, in particular, whether Singapore is to be a member, on the same terms as Penang, of the Malayan Federation.

I hope to make a statement before the end of the Session. With regard to Singapore, I am unable to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Bury (Mr. W. Fletcher) on 18th June.

In view of the anxiety that is being felt in Malaya that a settlement should be arrived at, could my right hon. Friend make a statement as soon as possible?

The statement will be made very soon indeed, but the delay is not unduly long because obviously a number of problems have to be resolved before a statement can be made.

Is the delay due to the fact that there are so many different Governments and so much over administration in Malaya?

No, that is a completely false statement of the situation.

It was a question.