§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has any plans to improve security at Cardiff-Wales airport; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe United Kingdom aviation security programme is drawn up and administered by the Department of Transport. Its purpose is to protect commercial aviation against terrorist attacks. It is not intended to cover private aviation which is not generally at risk from such activities. The incidents at Cardiff airport which have recently been reported in the local press relate to areas of the airport where private flying takes place, and they have no implications for the security of commercial aviation operations there. In common with other airports, the aviation security arrangements at Cardiff have been tightened considerably in recent months. Further improvements—which will also apply to other airports—are in the pipeline.