§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what measures have been taken to prevent terrorist munitions being smuggled into the UK via container traffic; [128659]
(2) what measures have been taken to prevent weapons of mass destruction being smuggled into the United Kingdom. [128660]
§ Mr. BlunkettSince the terrorist attacks in the United States on 11 September 2001, the Government have conducted a thorough and comprehensive review of all320W preventative measures to counter terrorism to better protect this country from the threat from international terrorism.
We have taken major steps to enhance the security of the UK's borders. There are extensive powers for counter-terrorist policing at our ports and our border agencies work closely together in sharing intelligence and operations.
We are also working closely with our international colleagues to implement a range of measures to improve port security and reduce the likelihood of the illicit movement of materials.
The Home Office leads on countering the potential threat from CBRN material. I refer the hon. Gentleman to my statement of 3 July 2003 in which I spoke about the introduction of routine screening of port traffic for the illicit movement of radiological materials (to reduce the threat from nuclear or radiological attack). This technology will greatly improve our existing capacity to detect and prevent the illicit importation of material into the UK. This is a significant part of the £330 million additional counter terrorism money announced in the Budget.
It has never been government policy to release details of our contingency plans for security reasons but, as I told the House on 20 March 2003, we have taken precautionary measures to deal with the events we can anticipate. We cannot guarantee 100 per cent. security but we deal rapidly with change and will keep all aspects of our planning under review and will keep Parliament, and the public, informed of any significant developments.