§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Defence what response he has received to the suggestion in the " Statement on the Defence Estimates" that Service women might be allowed to bear arms; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PattieThe response so far has been very muted. Letters received by the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State—only a dozen or so in number—have expressed very varied views, and although there was extensive press coverage of the proposals at the time, there was very little editorial comment. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State548W will be taking a decision in due course—in the light of the views expressed.