HC Deb 06 March 1986 vol 93 cc233-4W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations took place with the Police Federation before the decision was taken to arm police officers at Heathrow airport an other airports in Britain.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I understand from the Commissioner that, for reasons of operational urgency, there was insufficient time for formal consultations with the Police Federation before the decision overtly to arm police officers at Heathrow airport was taken; local representatives of the federation were, however, informed as soon as possible thereafter. The only other airport at which police officers are overtly armed is Manchester

in January but have not made representations about specific contracts. We have assured them that we will do nothing to undercut the United States measures.