§ Mr. Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Transport how many persons are employed in airport security in the United Kingdom; what was the cost in the last convenient year; and how the cost is met.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerWhen on 29 July 1982 the Secretary of State for Trade announced that the aviation security fund was to be wound up it was stated that, as from April 1983, the costs of security would in general be met directly by the airport authorities who would then recover them from the airlines; the Department of Trade would continue to set and monitor security standards. Folliwing the winding up of the fund, the Department of Trade and, since June 1983, the Department of Transport have continued to set security standards and to monitor the implementation of those standards by the security staff employed by United Kingdom airports and by the security staff employed by United Kingdom and foreign airlines at United Kingdom airports. The total number of security staff involved and the costs involved are entirely matters for the airports and airlines concerned and in most cases now security costs may not be distinguishable from other operating costs.