asked the Secretary of State for Defence when the beaches of Trimingham and Sidestrand will be open to the public; and if he will make a statement.

Shortly. My right hon. Friend has decided that he would no longer be justified in denying the public access, under safeguards, to these beaches. The cliffs must remain closed.

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply which will be much appreciated by the residents of these villages because these beaches have been closed for 25 years, may I ask him whether his Department will, in conjunction with the rural district council for the area, take such necessary steps as will make sure that there are paths down the cliffs to the beaches and provide warning boards on the cliffs to prevent children from wandering over the cliffs?

The cliffs at top and bottom will be clearly marked as dangerous, and we shall discuss with the council plans for the clearing by the Army of specified pathways down to the beach.