"Iraq Inquiry Sits In Private For Army General".

General Sir John Reith who worked as chief of joint operations from Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood during the war.

The panel led by Sir John Chilcot agreed that he should be allowed to appear without the press and public present "for personal reasons" on Friday.

A full transcript of his evidence was published late on Friday evening on the Iraq Inquiry website, with five words blanked out "on the grounds of national security", the inquiry said in a statement.

The statement said the redaction of the five words was "unrelated to the reason why the hearing was held in private" but gave no further details.

Earlier this week Tony Blair's former spokesman Alistair Campbell appeared in front of the inquiry and gave a robust defence of his actions in the run-up to war.

He said Britain should be "incredibly proud" of its role in removing Saddam from power.

Former Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon and former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw will give evidence to the inquiry next week.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair is also due to appear at a later date.

Gordon Brown and Foreign Secretary David Miliband will give evidence after the election.