§ Mr. David MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has as to when the TNA security equipment being installed at Gatwick airport will become operational.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe machine, which will be only the third of six production machines to be installed, will be loaned by the FAA for a 12-month trial and evaluation in a United Kingdom airport. We are in close touch with the FAA and Gatwick Airport Ltd. about the arrangements for its installation and operation. Many questions have had to be resolved and other agencies have had to be consulted. Negotiations and consultations are nearing completion. Before the machine can be delivered modifications requested by Gatwick Airport Ltd. will need to be completed by the American manufacturer. It will not become operational as part of the national aviation security programme until initial tests have been satisfactorily carried out.