§ Mr. MalinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is the practice of his officials to search the luggage of all passengers boarding Eurostar at Waterloo Station; and if he will make a statement. [75404]
§ Beverley HughesIt is not the practise of Immigration officials at Waterloo International station to search the luggage of passengers boarding the Eurostar services to France and Belgium. Examination of baggage of departing passengers is a matter for the managers of port security.
As a matter of routine officials do not operate outward immigration controls at Waterloo International.
Baggage is screened at Waterloo International by security staff employed by Eurostar for this purpose. The levels of screening are set by the Department of Environment, Transport and Local Regions. These levels are renewed regularly. It is the responsibility of Eurostar UK Ltd to comply with security regulations.