Operation Cyclamen (Hansard, 10 June 2004)

§ Patrick Mercer
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department at how many UK(a) airports and (b) border points Operation Cyclamen is being implemented. [174612]

§ Mr. Blunkett
Programme Cyclamen equipment provides the capability to routinely screen all forms of traffic at UK points of entry for the illicit movement of radioactive materials. Screening operations commenced in April. For security reasons it would nut in the public interest to be more specific.

§ Patrick Mercer
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has discussed the technology used in Operation Cyclamen with his counterparts in(a) other EU and (b) other countries. [174613]

§ Mr. Blunkett
The Government have had useful discussions and exchanges with counterparts in the US, EU and elsewhere, regarding the radiation screening equipment used in the Programme Cyclamen. A wide range of detection and security equipment is already in place around the world.

§ Patrick Mercer
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the first use of the technology of Operation Cyclamen took place in the UK. [174614]

§ Mr. Blunkett
Trials of the Programme Cyclamen equipment were first undertaken at selected UK points of entry in 2002. Permanent screening commenced in April this year.

§ Patrick Mercer
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what training is provided to those using Cyclamen chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear technology. [174615]

§ Mr. Blunkett
The HMCE Customs Officers operating the Programme Cyclamen equipment receive training in radiation protection awareness in addition to training on the operating procedures for the equipment.

§ Patrick Mercer
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether those using Cyclamen technology are(a) customs officials and (b) private security officers. [174616]

§ Mr. Blunkett
The operation of Cyclamen Programme detection equipment at UK points of entry, is undertaken by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise officers.
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§ Patrick Mercer
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what implications the Madrid bombings of 11 March have for Operation Cyclamen.

§ Mr. Blunkett
The tragic events of March 11 further hardened our resolve to combat the international terrorist threat, in all its forms. The Government already have in place proven contingency plans contingency plans for responding to a wide range of terrorist actions, including those at Madrid.
Programme Cyclamen is an ongoing programme of work, which commenced in April 2003 covering the routine screening of all forms of traffic, at UK ports of entry, for the illicit movement of radioactive materials. It is one element of the Government's strategy to reduce the threat of terrorist attack.