§ Mr. Sharpasked the Minister of Defence the age and service release group numbers of men who enlisted during 1946.
§ Mr. AlexanderThe following table contains the information requested:
gift shops receive increased stocks of silk to prevent soldiers being exploited in the commercial free market.
§ Mr. AlexanderYes, Sir. I am aware that gift shops have been set up in Japan for the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, but I am not in a position to give information about the stocks of silk which are held in the shops. Supply of Japanese goods is controlled by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers as part of his control of Japanese internal economy. Three months ago the attention of the Joint Headquarters in Australia was 187W drawn to the need for improvement of facilities for the sale of Japanese goods in gift shops. I have since been assured that the B.C.O.F. is getting its proper share, according to numerical strength, of the available goods.