HC Deb 18 March 1982 vol 20 cc466-7
5. Mr. Kenneth Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any additional support from Home Office funds is made available to police forces when they are involved in the extra expense of hijack situations at airports.

Mr. Whitelaw

The costs of police operations, including additional costs arising from exceptional commitments, are shared between central Government and local authorities, and qualify for 50 per cent. police grant in the usual way. I have no power to make any additional financial contribution.

Mr. Lewis

Is my right hon. Friend aware that most people—in fact, almost everyone in the country—were extremely pleased about what the police did in the recent highjacking incident at Stansted? They did a first-class job. Since such incidents could take place at airports in other parts of the country, because they are an international hazard, should not the costs be borne by the Government instead of being shared between local authorities, particularly as there has been a considerable increase in local authority costs in this instance?

Mr. Whitelaw

I thank my hon. Friend for what he said about the work of the Essex police at Stansted. The response by the Government and the police to terrorist operations has, I hope, been sufficiently positive and determined to deter those who may think of carrying out such activities in future. I trust that the problem will not arise, because we have shown such a firm response. When it does arise, the costs are normally shared. If it became more frequent we should have to consider the matter. I am convinced, however, that a determined response will deter people from taking such action.

Mr. Newens

I pay tribute to the work of the Essex police on this occasion. Is there any truth in the report that, as far as possible, highjacked aircraft are to be diverted to Stansted? Would it not, therefore, be right to make an additional move to assist the Essex county council if there are any further highjackings?

Mr. Whitelaw

It would be wrong of me, in answer to particular questions, to disclose any of the plans that we may have to deal with the problems that might arise. I certainly do not intend to do that.

Mr. Haselhurst

Is there not something seriously wrong in principle when a local authority has to bear a share of the costs when the choice of airport may have been made for national security reasons?

Mr. Whitelaw

I shall not go into the matter, for security reasons. It is equally important to say to my hon. Friend, whose constituency was involved, that the Essex police performed their task in a successful and remarkable manner. We are all extremely grateful to them. I hope that the problem will not arise again, because of the success of that action.