HC Deb 11 March 2002 vol 381 c752W
Norman Lamb

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what measures are being investigated by his Department to protect commercial aircraft, their crews and passengers from terrorist hijacking. [41448]

Mr. Jamieson

The UK National Aviation Security Programme has for many years contained a range of measures to deter and prevent the hijacking of passenger aircraft. These measures were substantially enhanced in response to the attacks on 11 September. In particular it has been a requirement since 18 September 2001 for cockpit doors to be kept locked.

In addition, the Cabinet Office commissioned, through the Committee on Domestic and International Terrorism, a wide-ranging review of aviation security following these attacks. As a result a number of potential measures have been identified on which work is currently being taken forward. However it is too soon to say what will be introduced as a result.