HC Deb 06 March 2002 vol 381 cc373-4W
John Barrett

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) how many people were employed in the UK to oversee the security of baggage at UK airports in each year since 1990; [40260]

(2) what investigations are made into the background of potential staff employed to oversee the security of baggage at UK airports; [40263]

(3) what recent assessment the Government have made of the pay levels for people employed to oversee the security of baggage at UK airports; [40259]

(4) what recent discussions he has had with companies in the air transport industry regarding the pay associated with those employed to oversee the security of baggage at UK airports; [40264]

(5) what recent estimate the Government have made of (a) the turnover of staff employed to oversee the security of baggage at UK airports; and (b) the impact this has on the security of airport baggage; [40261]

(6) what training is required for staff employed to oversee the security of baggage at UK airports. [40262]

Mr. Jamieson

My Department is responsible for prescribing the security measures required at UK airports and for monitoring compliance. Our measures are implemented by the aviation industry, under the requirements of legally binding directions.

Directions have been issued to all UK airports and airlines operating in the UK relating to, among other things, the recruitment and training of staff involved in specified security duties. The specified duties include the screening of baggage. In respect of recruitment, the criteria for security staff require a five year employment record check and a counter terrorist check. Our training directions require staff to undergo appropriate training modules applicable to the security functions they will be undertaking. These requirements apply regardless of whether the airports/airlines use directly employed security staff, or those of private security companies who they have engaged as agents.

Airports, airlines, and security firms are private companies and staffing matters, including pay issues, numbers of staff engaged, and staff turnover, are entirely management issues for those companies. We therefore do not collate figures on total staff numbers or turnover.