§ Mr. Colvinasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied with the working of the aviation security fund; and if he will make a statement about the general provisions for the security of airports in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. SproatI have decided to undertake a review during the next few months of the way aviation security is organised and financed in the United Kingdom. In particular, I shall be considering
I should make clear however that this review will not cover the present standards of security at United Kingdom airports.
- (i)whether the present aviation security fund system remains the best way to finance aviation security measure!; at United Kingdom airports; or whether the present arrangements should be adapted; or whether the fund should be wound up altogether, and airports and airlines simply left to bear their own security costs; and
- (ii)whether the present organisation of passenger searching and other security measures at United Kingdom airports, and the present allocation of responsibilities in these fields, can be improved.
My officials will be inviting contributions to the review from all sides of the civil aviation industry. I expect to announce the outcome in the summer.
265WIf my hon. Friend or any other hon. Members wish to contribute to the review I shall be glad to hear from them by the end of March.