Lord Berkeleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What agreements were made at the meeting between British and French Ministers on 19 September 2001 concerning the needs and provision of policing and security at the SCNF terminal at Frethun, near Calais, in the short and medium term; and whether the terms of the agreement are currently being adhered to. [HL2907
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Rooker)British and French Ministers did not meet on 19 September. However, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary met with French Interior Minister Daniel Vaillant on 12 September 2001 to discuss security measures at the Eurotunnel site at Coquelles.
Since the escalation of incursions into the Frethun site and the decision of SNCF to reduce freight services through the tunnel in November, we have continued to put pressure on SNCF and the French Government to improve security at the Calais-Frethun freight yard. I understand that improved perimeter fencing has been in place since the end of January and that SNCF has embarked upon a £3 million security programme. There is still a clear need for additional security patrols to reinforce the deterrent value of the perimeter fencing. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister raised this matter again with the French Prime Minister, Lionel Jospin, when they met in Stockholm on 22 and 23 February. In addition, my right honourable friend the Home Secretary and Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) Ministers are in regular contact with their French counterparts stressing the urgent need for improved security at Calais-Frethun so that normal services can he resumed as soon as possible.