Written question asked by David Davis (Conservative) on Thursday, 2 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 December 2004. It was answered by Charles Clarke (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 December 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what discussions he has had with (a) US security officials and (b) UK security officials regarding security alerts at (i) Newark Airport, (ii) JFK Airport and (iii) Dulles-Washington Airport in (A) 2002, (B) 2003 and (C) 2004; what public information was available regarding any such security alerts; and what discussions he has had with non-government employees regarding such security alerts.

Answer: David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with (a) US security officials and (b) UK security officials regarding security alerts at (i) Newark airport, (ii) JFK airport and (iii) Dulles-Washington airport in (A) 2002, (B) 2003 and (C) 2004; what public information was available regarding any such security alerts; and what discussions he has had with non-government employees regarding such security alerts. [203250] Mr. Charles Clarke: Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport and I have had frequent discussions with US authorities about aviation security over the period in question. Aviation security has been a high priority for both countries since September 11 and has featured regularly in my own discussions with the US Homeland Security Secretary, Tom Ridge. We have considered the intelligence on terrorist threats to aviation and the range of preventative measures we have put in place. Additionally, my right hon. Friend has had frequent discussions with representatives of the aviation industry, through the medium of the National Aviation Security Committee and in other contacts.

Secondary information