asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have been made to the U.S. Government concerning occupation forces in Germany with a view to securing a more equitable distribution of the burden of armed manpower in proportion to population and ability to pay the cost.

The Minister of State (Mr. McNeil):

No representations have been made.

Will the Minister state why no representations have been made and whether it is a fact that the occupation Forces of Britain in Germany are twice as large as those of the Americans; also, has his attention been drawn to statements by American staff officers in Washington last week to the effect that the British Government are maintaining too large occupation Forces in Germany?

Mr. McNeil:

I hope that I did not mislead my hon. Friend. No representations have been made. I should not think that His Majesty's Government would necessarily accept advice upon the disposition of our Forces from an officer in another Force.