§ 12. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Trade why the security arrangements for British airlines flying to and from Northern Ireland are not uniform; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EyreOur security requirements for British airlines flying between Great Britain and Northern Ireland are uniform. Procedures vary in detail according to local circumstances, but meet a common standard of security.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWere not many of us who "Fly the Flag" to Northern Ireland aghast when, on security grounds, British Airways' crews refused to stay there overnight, unlike the crews of private operators, thus adding to the corporation's deficit? Have those "boys of the bulldog breed" thought better of it?
§ Mr. EyreMy hon. Friend knows that there has been a long-standing refusal by aircrew of British Airways to stay overnight in Northern Ireland. That is a matter for the management. It is interesting that British Midland Airways also flies between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, but its aircrew stay overnight in the Province.
§ Mr. James A. DunnDoes the Minister agree that security arrangements are inconsistent when a woman can take her handbag on to a plane but a small briefcase is not allowed? Is he aware that magazines and newspapers can be taken on board but in some cases small books are not allowed? Will he accept that that does not make sense, and will he comment?
§ Mr. EyreArrangements for hand luggage have recently been improved. The hon. Gentleman will recognise that the purpose of the security arrangements is to stop dangerous material being taken on to aircraft.