§ Mr. Kingasked the Prime Minister if he has considered representations which have been made to him with regard to amenities and conditions of service in B.C.O.F.; what territorial or political changes are contemplated; and if he will make a general statement on conditions in Japan.
§ The Prime MinisterWith regard to the first and third parts of the Question, I am aware that conditions of service and the provision of amenities in B.C.O.F. have not been altogether satisfactory. Every effort is being made both in London by the Service Departments and locally to improve conditions and the latest reports reveal steady progress. In particular, the suggestions made by my hon. Friend and his colleagues who visited Japan recently are being energetically followed up and implemented as far as possible. With regard to the second part of the Question, no immediate territorial or political changes affecting B.C.O.F. are contemplated. As stated on my behalf by my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Lancaster (Brigadier Maclean) yesterday, some reduction in the United Kingdom forces in B.C.O.F. is under discussion.