HC Deb 26 February 2001 vol 363 cc327-8W
Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment. Transport and the Regions what security measures are in place to prevent stowaways on flights. [150626]

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

Under the UK National Aviation Security Programme, all those wishing to have access to an airport's Restricted Zone are required to be searched and screened, in order to prevent unauthorised interference with an aircraft.

Before entering service, all aircraft are required to be searched and checked internally and externally. Access is then controlled to that aircraft.

Airports are required to carry out mobile patrols of their airside areas which are physically secured and access is controlled to these areas.