HC Deb 15 January 1986 vol 89 c578W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Prime Minister what consultations Ministers undertook with interested organisations prior to the decision to post guards armed with machine guns at Manchester international airport; if the Police Federation was consulted; and what consideration was given to the alternative of using military personnel to undertake the duties which have now been assigned to uniformed police officers.

The Prime Minister

This was a decision for the chief constable and not for Ministers. I understand that the chief constable discussed his decision with the Police Federation before it was implemented. Armed police officers have for some years been present at Manchester airport when this has been considered necessary; I understand that the chief constable does not think it necessary to ask for military personnel to be deployed at present.