§ 8. Mr. A. Royleasked the Minister of Aviation if he is satisfied with the present security arrangements at London Airport; and if he will make a statement.
§ 9. Mr. Hunterasked the Minister of Aviation how many security police are employed by his Department at London Airport; and how many work in each shift.
§ 10. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Minister of Aviation what is the number of security police in each shift at London Airport; and what is the total number employed there by his Department.
§ Mr. RipponMy right hon. Friend is satisfied with the security arrangements for which he is responsible, but there is, as elsewhere, a recruitment problem. The present strength of the London Airport police is 141. The number available for a shift is usually about 30.
§ Mr. HunterIs the hon. Gentleman satisfied that there are sufficient security police at London Airport, bearing in mind not only the robbery which took place a week or so ago, but also the recent disturbance? Will he endeavour to strengthen the security police at London Airport, in view of the large area they cover?
§ Mr. RipponThere is a shortage due to recruitment difficulties. The authorised complement is 161. We are certainly anxious to secure additional recruits. I should not think that that in itself creates an insuperable difficulty as regards security.
§ Mr. ManuelThe Parliamentary Secretary said that there were about 30 security police on duty per shift. What is the number of hours worked per shift? If it is an eight-hour shift, 30 seems to be a small number per shift, because there would be only three eight-hour shifts per 24 hours. Is too much office work and administration being done and not enough security work?
§ Mr. RipponIt is an eight-hour shift. The difference between the available strength and the number of men on each shift is accounted for by the fact that the police officers concerned have to have three days' rest in each fortnight. There also has to be provision for leave and and an allowance for sickness, and so on.