Seaports and Harbours (Security)

HC Deb 09 January 2003 vol 397 cc291-2W

Mr. Dismore

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve security at small seaports and harbours to prevent(a) acts of terrorism and (b) importation of material for use in terrorism; and if he will make a statement. [89248]

Mr. Jamieson

The United Kingdom already has a comprehensive security regime in place covering ports and harbours which service international ferries and cruise ship calls. In addition, the three border agencies, police Special Branch, HM Customs and Excise and the Immigration Service, control the movement of passengers and goods through small ports. Their presence at the ports is determined by a risk assessment.

This national regime will be augmented by July 2004 with the implementation of the recently agreed International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) global maritime security regime. This agreement requires signatory nations to develop and implement maritime security procedures. All ships over 500 tonnes engaged in international voyages and all ports which service such ships will be party to the security requirements.