HC Deb 18 January 1994 vol 235 c563W
Mr. Dobson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish a table showing the names of all airports in the United Kingdom where trials on potential baggage reconciliation technology have taken place over the past five years, or are currently taking place, the date on which each trial commenced and was completed, the nature of the technology involved, the company undertaking the trial, the commissioning organisation for each trial, and whether the results of the trial were published or made available to his Department; and if he will place details of the trials in the Library.

Mr. Norris

Though the Department of Transport has stated its requirements for baggage reconciliation, known as accounting and authorising for carriage, it is not the commissioning agent for trials of baggage reconciliation technology as its requirements can be met in a number of ways. Technology trials are therefore conducted as a result of commercial arrangements between airports, airlines, handling agents and the suppliers of baggage reconciliation systems. To the Department's knowledge, such trials have taken place or are under way at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester airports, and there may be or may have been trials at other locations.

For reasons of commercial confidentiality and security, the Department is not able to provide the details requested of the trials without the consent of those involved.