Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the reason for the decision to abandon the requirement for the public to complete embarkation and arrival cards under the Prevention of Terrorism (Supplemental Provisions) Order 1984 at Heathrow airport; and if these cards are still issued for completion at Gatwick airport.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe use of these cards is at the discretion of the examining officer, under the direction of the chief officer of the police force concerned. I understand that at Gatwick airport all passengers are required to complete cards; at Heathrow the requirement is normally imposed selectively but, from time to time and for limited periods, it is applied to all passengers.