§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of UK(a) seaports and (b) airports will have radiation detection equipment installed by 1 July. [169962]
§ Ms BlearsWe have implemented a Programme of work to introduce screening equipment at UK ports for detecting the illicit importation of radioactive materials that could be used by terrorists. By 1 July 2004 screening equipment will be in place at a number of major UK ports of entry. This is an on-going programme based on prudent contingency planning which is planned to be completed by March 2007. It would not be in the interests of national security to give details of the implementation programme.