HC Deb 10 February 1995 vol 254 cc454-5W
Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what have been the cost of the Transec teams and related organisations over the past 10 years.

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 9 February 1995]The transport security division in my Department has existed in its current form since October 1991. Its running costs expenditure in 1992–93 was £2,114,000 and in 1993–94 was £3,736,000. Its expected outturn in 1994–95 is £4,116,000. All figures are expressed in cash terms. Comparable figures for earlier years could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the specific functions of those officers of Transec whose jobs will be cut following the reduction in costs announced by the Minister for Aviation and Shipping.

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 9 February 1995]More than half of the posts identified in the efficiency savings exercise are support or managerial. The remainder are inspectorial or investigatory.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the total saving of the reduction in Transec expenditure announced by the Minister of Aviation and Shipping.

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 9 February 1995]The agreed running cost budget for the transport security division for 1995–96 represents a reduction of £655,000 compared with the outturn in 1993–94, the base year for the efficiency savings exercise in my Department. It also represents a saving of £961,000 on the forecast outturn for 1994–95. All figures are expressed in 1994–95 terms.

Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consultation there has been with(a) the BAA, (b) other airport operators, (c) port owners and occupiers, (d) airlines and (e) port users about the implications for them of the decision to reduce the expenditure on Transec; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Norris

[holding answer 9 February 1995]My right hon. Friend has responsibility within Government for transport security. My Department lays down relevant security requirements for each mode of transport after careful consideration and consultation with the industries and other parties as appropriate. It is the responsibility of the industries to implement the requirements, which include the provision of all security installations and staff. It would not be appropriate to consult those industries about changes in the way my Department discharges its responsibilities.