Airport Security (Hansard, 15 October 2002)

§ John McDonnell
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he has taken to improve the security arrangements of private companies operating at the UK's airports. [74737]

§ Mr. Jamieson
My Department is consulting with industry on the implementation of procedures for creating a list of approved providers of aviation security services. Such companies will have to meet certain criteria, set down by my Department, before they can deliver services at UK airports.

§ John McDonnell
To ask the Secretary of State Transport what measures he has taken or has planned for improving the arrangements for the security vetting of staff working in secure areas within the UK's airports. [74738]

§ Mr. Jamieson
Counter Terrorist Checks have been extended in relation to security staff, and a requirement for security managers to undergo such a check was introduced in May. My Department is also working to introduce Criminal Record Checks for all new and existing holders of permanent passes to airport restricted zones.

§ John McDonnell
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent action he has taken to review the security arrangements at UK airports. [74763]

§ Mr. Jamieson
Aviation security remains at an enhanced level following the attacks on 11 September last year. Many of the additional measures introduced by other states following those attacks had long been in place in the UK, but we nonetheless ordered an immediate review and identified a package of additional security measures, including for raising security on the ground at airports. These have been taken forward with the industry. In addition, my right hon. friends the Secretary of State for Transport and the Secretary of State for Home Affairs earlier this year commissioned Sir John Wheeler to conduct a study of airport security, including the threat from serious and organised crime, with particular reference to the role of the police service. Sir John's report was recently received, and is now being considered.
723W
Airport security standards are kept under constant review, with my department's inspectors carrying out regular and frequent inspections to check and when necessary enforce them.