HC Deb 13 November 1972 vol 846 cc29-30
24. Mr. Madel

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is satisfied with the existing security arrangements at British airports; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Heseltine

Security precautions are kept closely and regularly under review. To this end, comprehensive security surveys of our major airports have recently been completed.

Mr. Madel

Is the Minister satisfied, in view of the evidence which I sent to him, that Luton Corporation will make the necessary major improvements in security at Luton airport?

Mr. Heseltine

I am in close touch with Luton Corporation on this matter. I will contact my hon. Friend and give him a full reply when I feel that the discussions have reached a sufficiently advanced stage.

Mr. Mason

In order to curtail completely the operations of hijackers and air pirates, will the hon. Gentleman consider the proposal placed before him on numerous occasions for a professional anti-hijack squad at our major airports?

Mr. Heseltine

That suggestion has been put to me, together with a large number of other suggestions. The right hon. Gentleman will understand that I am in a dilemma in knowing how much to reveal of the anti-hijacking measures which we have taken without thereby making those measures self-defeating. We have taken and are taking immense steps on a world-wide basis to deal with the suggestions that have been made, and every one is carefully considered.

Mr. Mason

Could not an assurance be given to the travelling public, in view of the announcement already made that the Government have helped to finance the major British airlines in establishing professional teams to make sure that no arms get on board British aircraft?

Mr. Heseltine

I repeat the assurance which I have already given, that the Government this year have announced their decision to spend over £1 million in helping the airlines and the airport authorities with their security arrangements, and a large number of additional steps have been taken. But it is counter productive to spell out in total detail what those measures are. In the end, one must understand that there is an clement of risk simply because of the scale of operation with which we are confronted.