asked the Minister for Defence whether the reply given to Parliamentary Question No. 362 on 21 October 1980 still represents his Department's attitude to a retired Army officer (details supplied).

The reply given in the House on 21 October 1980 does not represent my attitude.

I have personally examined the matter and I am satisfied that in the case of the retired officer referred to, security considerations should not have been invoked.

The military authorities have general discretion regarding access to military barracks and messes and I do not propose to disturb this long-standing arrangement.