§ 4. Patrick Mercer (Newark)What plans he has to increase security surveillance of traffic through the Province's (a) ports and (b) airports. [134146]
§ The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Jane Kennedy)Security at ports and airports throughout Northern Ireland is kept under continual review involving a multi-agency approach. I cannot disclose 291 specific details in relation to security changes, as to do so could compromise the effectiveness of measures put in place.
§ Patrick MercerHon. Members on both sides of the House will welcome the lessening of tension and violence in Northern Ireland, but will the Minister assure me that, as terrorists continue to target ports and airports, surveillance will increase—whatever political signal that sends—and that the Government will not allow their guard to drop?
§ Jane KennedyI can give the hon. Gentleman that assurance. The Government are serious about protecting our borders and doing all that we can to prevent terrorist attacks from whatever source.
§ Andrew Mackinlay (Thurrock)Will the Minister meet the representative body of the Northern Ireland airport police, so that it can explain to her the undertakings given in the House by Sir Patrick Mayhew and in a published letter to the hon. Member for Rochford and Southend, East (Sir Teddy Taylor) at the time of the privatisation of the international airport, bearing in mind that it is the intention of the privatised management to cut the number of police officers there by 15? Will the Minister ensure that those officers have their day in court with her, so that they can explain their deep concerns?
§ Jane KennedyI pay tribute to my hon. Friend for the determination with which he has pursued the case being made by the police officers to whom he refers. I can assure him that I would be happy to meet a delegation, if he wishes to bring that forward.
§ Mr. Roy Beggs (East Antrim)Is the Minister satisfied that security surveillance at ports and airports in the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland is adequate to ensure that there is no back-door illegal entry from the Irish Republic to the United Kingdom? Has she any plans to formalise the arrangements in respect of the common travel area between the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic?
§ Jane KennedyI am satisfied that the enhancements that are being made at Belfast city airport are adequate and appropriate to the task. The hon. Gentleman's point about cross-border vigilance and co-operation is one that I will look at. I am satisfied that the co-operation that already exists between Customs, immigration officers and the police forces in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is excellent. That co-operation is continuing, and we keep it under constant review.