§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how much(a) was spent in 2003–04 and (b) is planned to be spent in 2004–05 on improving the process of scanning of ships and containers upon their arrival in British ports; [163580]
(2) how much his Department has spent on enhancing container security (a) in British ports and (b) on British ships since May 1997. [163636]
§ Mr. JamiesonMy Departments Transport Security Directorate (Transec) is responsible for developing, overseeing the implementation of, and ensuring industry compliance with, Counter Terrorist security policy for the UK's major transport modes.
However, in the UK the cost of meeting these security requirements falls to industry. The "user pays" principle has been maintained throughout the country's history of regulating transport security and costs are ultimately passed on to customers.
It is not therefore, possible to give an indication of costs because they are not held centrally. However, as part of the implementation process of the IMO's new maritime security regime, Transec is conducting an Regulatory Impact Assessment, which will, when complete provide a broad picture of the costs associated with meeting the UK's new security requirements. The RIA will include consideration of the cost of enhancing the security of ports handling containers.