§ 27. Mrs. Lena Jegerasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the issue of counterfeit Press passes to members of the Armed Forces in Northern Ireland; and whether, in view of the potential danger to bona fide journalists, he will withdraw all such imitation passes forthwith and ensure that none is issued in future.
§ Mr. MasonInquiries instituted as a result of recent newspaper stories have revealed that at one time imitation Press cards were issued to plain clothes Army information staff in an attempt to provide them with a degree of protection when reporting on public incidents which might have placed them in danger. Higher authorities in Headquarters Northern Ireland discontinued this practice some two years ago when it came to their attention. I have now issued instructions that under no circumstances is the practice to be resorted to again.