§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the recent breach of airport security at Birmingham International Airport; and if he will make a statement; [139802]
(2) if it is the policy of the Government to prosecute persons (a) illegally obtaining an airside pass and (b) for breaching airport security by deception; [139804]
(3) what measures he plans to take to strengthen supervision of airside pass issuing authorities; [139803]
(4) how many times an airside pass has been issued incorrectly in the last 10 years; and what procedures exist to ensure that airside passes are not issued incorrectly. [139805]
§ Mr. Mullin[holding answer 23 November 2000]: My Department has been conducting an investigation into the allegations made by the News of the World on 19 November. This investigation indicates that the security of the restricted zones of the airports named by the paper was not breached. Once all the circumstances have been fully assessed, we will consider what further action is required.
My Department regulates the aviation industry in respect of compliance with the UK National Aviation Security Programme and a stepped approach to enforcement is taken. This stepped approach ranges from advice and assistance, through formal notification of deficiencies, to legally binding Enforcement Notices and ultimately prosecution. Targeted rectification action is pursued throughout.
The measures taken by airports to control access to their restricted zones, including that the pass regime is being managed properly, are included in regular compliance monitoring.