Brigadier Maclean:

asked the Minister of Defence what prospect there is of the British Commonwealth zone of occupation in Japan being increased to take in at least one large town, which would provide the British Commonwealth Occupation Force with some of the amenities which they at present lack.

The need for increased amenities for the British Commonwealth Occupation Force is fully realised. The desirability of adjusting the area of occupation has been under consideration for some time. It is now necessary, however, to examine the effect of the proposed withdrawal in the near future of certain British troops before further steps can be taken in the matter.