§ Mr. Pendryasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to introduce security checks at ports in line with the procedures adopted by the Civil Aviation Authority.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerMy right hon. Friend has no statutory powers to direct port authorities and shipping538W companies on security matters, as he has in the case of airport authorities and airlines. My Department has, however, issued guidance to the shipping industry on the protection of shipping against terrorism and sabotage. In addition, the International Maritime Organisation has recently recommended to its member states certain measures to strengthen security at ports and on board ship, primarily in relation to passenger cruise ships. We fully support the IMO's initiative and in the light of its recommendations we are reviewing with port authorities and shipping companies the arrangements that they already operate.