§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of hold baggage passing through Heathrow airport is now subject to regular checking; and what was the percentage immediately before the Lockerbie bombing. [23184]
§ Mr. NorrisAll hold baggage passing through Heathrow airport for international flights is subjected to a range of security controls. All such baggage must be accounted for and authorised, passengers are questioned about their baggage and, in addition, an increasing proportion of baggage is screened by X-ray or other technology.
Good progress is being made towards the Department's objective of screening 100 per cent. of international hold baggage. The percentage of hold baggage currently being subjected to screening by X-ray or other technology is approximately 26 per cent., although 100 per cent. of hold baggage on those flights considered to be at greater risk is screened. It is estimated that about 4 to 5 per cent. of hold baggage was being screened prior to the Lockerbie bombing.