§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will introduce legislation to define the power of search at airports in the United Kingdom and, in particular, the rights of security personnel at airports in this regard; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OnslowSecurity personnel at airports have no special powers. Passengers and baggage are searched at the request of airlines, which may by contract refuse to carry a passenger or his baggage without a search. Other searches at airports may be carried out by airport authorities as a condition of entry to their property. The Protection of Aircraft Bill creates in certain circumstances a statutory power of search. No other legislation is contemplated.