HC Deb 20 November 2002 vol 394 cc177-8W
Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the Government's policy is on sharing information on airline passengers with the United States of America; what the Government's position is on the European Commission's policy on sharing information on airline passengers with the United States of America; and if he will make a statement. [81112]

Mr. Jamieson

The UK Government fully support the United States' Governments efforts to combat terrorism and asserts that the drive to improve global security should be realistic, achievable and practical. The UK Government notes the European Commission's view that some of the US Government's requirements for airlines to provide the US authorities with information about incoming passengers raises issues of compatibility with EC legislation. The UK Government support the Commission's request for urgent discussions with the US authorities.