§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will encourage the introduction of an international standard in passenger aircraft requiring pilots and other aircrew to be totally isolated from passenger cabins by secure bulkheads and lockable bullet-proof doors. [HL752]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonFollowing the terrible events in the USA last month, the Government have arranged for an early review of aviation security in its widest sense. This will consider among other things how best to combat the method of operation used by the hijackers.
88WASteps are also being taken at international level. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State has met EU Transport Ministers, who have agreed that the security measures should be tightened for all member states and have ordered an urgent review of aviation security measures. The UK has also participated in meetings of the European Civil Aviation Conference and International Civil Aviation Organisation reviewing security measures.
§ Lord Janner of Braunstoneasked Her Majesty's Government:
What provisions are being made to increase cockpit security in passenger jets. [HL780]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonFollowing the terrorist attack in the USA last month, a wide-ranging review of aviation security is being carried out. This is considering among other things how best to combat the method of operation used by the hijackers. It is too early to say when the review will be completed and what recommendations will be made. However, the Civil Aviation Authority has already introduced new operational requirements, including locking the flight deck door, and these are designed to address safety and security matters and may be modified when the review is completed.
§ Lord Janner of Braunstoneasked Her Majesty's Government:
What items of cutlery and glass are now considered dangerous for in-flight use. [HL781]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonAs part of the response to the terrorist attacks in the USA last month, airlines operating from the UK have been required not to use metal cutlery on all flights to and from the UK. In addition, the list of items not allowed to be taken on board an aircraft has been extended to cover household cutlery as well as any other article which could be used or adapted to cause injury or incapacitation.
§ Lord Janner of Braunstoneasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ensure that locks on Boeing aircraft cockpit doors are customised to individual aircraft rather than remaining universal as is currently the case. [HL782]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe locks on aircraft doors are being considered in conjunction with other measures to deny unauthorised access to the flight deck.
§ Lord Janner of Braunstoneasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ban the use of long-stemmed wine glasses on all flights [HL783]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonAny article which an aircraft operator considers might be used or adapted for causing injury to or incapacitation of a person may not be taken into an aircraft cabin.