HC Deb 31 March 2003 vol 402 cc585-6W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the vulnerability of public and government buildings to attack from a helicopter; and if he will make a statement. [101147]

Mr. Blunkett

All flights over central London take place within controlled airspace and require clearance from air traffic control. Pilots are required to comply with air traffic control instructions at all times.

There are a number of designated helicopter routes through the London Control Zone. For example, for safety reasons single-engined helicopters must follow a fixed route, including along the Thames, away from built up areas.

Restrictions on helicopter movements, and security requirements at airfields, in London and elsewhere, are kept under constant review and can be expected to be varied from time to time.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) men and (b) women accused of being involved in terrorist activities are being held in prisons in England and Wales; and how many of those being held have appeared before a magistrates court. [104637]

Hilary Benn

There are currently 44 male prisoners being held in prisons in England and Wales accused of being involved in terrorist activities. There are no female prisoners currently being held in any prison accused of being involved in terrorist activities. Of these 44, 12 have not appeared before a magistrates court; these 12 prisoners are being held under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001.