§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps have been taken since 11 September 2001 to improve security at(a) ports and (b) rail freight terminals. [138356]
§ Mr. JamiesonMy Department's approach is to manage the risk to the industry arising from the threat of a terrorist attack. The security measures imposed seek to minimise the industries' vulnerabilities while recognising operational realities.
Following the events of 11 September 2001 the security programmes for all modes of transport were reviewed and some adjustments made. The programmes are kept under review. While it is not our practice to detail the required security measures for obvious reasons, we believe that the core policies and baseline measures and the levels of security required are appropriate.
In respect of the security at ports, our national regime (which has been in place since 1990) will be augmented next year with the implementation of the recently agreed International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) global maritime security regime.
For rail freight terminals my Department issued a National Railway Security Programme in July 2001. The review of the programme (which covers the whole of the Great Britain rail network) confirmed that the measures required for domestic rail freight depots are appropriate and proportionate to the threat.
736WInternational rail freight terminals using the channel tunnel have been subject to more stringent requirements since the opening of the channel tunnel in 1994. International rail freight terminals have protective security measures in place and all rail freight is liable to be searched. Since 11 September 2001 the level of search required has been increased.