Written question asked by Jim Cousins (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 February 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 March 2004. It was answered by John Healey (Labour) on Thursday, 4 March 2004 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he (a) has taken and (b) plans to take to (i) screen incoming cargo containers for chemical and biological agents and (ii) make available radiation detectors at ports. - Including ref to Exemptions 1, 4 and 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Answer: Mr. Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he (a) has taken and (b) plans to take to (i) screen incoming cargo containers for chemical and biological agents and (ii) make available radiation detectors at ports. [157057] John Healey:I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary is responsible for protective security. I am the Minister responsible for HM Customs and Excise who are primarily responsible for screening cargo entering the United Kingdom. Customs work closely with the Home Office and the Police on security at ports. Incoming cargo is screened for a variety of illicit materials. The Government does not give detailed information about these procedures as this information may be useful to terrorists. In this connection Exemptions 1, 4 and 7 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information apply. Following the announcement of new funds for counter-terrorism measures which the Chancellor made in last year's Budget (HC 500), Customs and the Home Office will be wording together to deploy screening equipment at UK points of entry to detect the illicit importation of radioactive materials.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 418 c1134-5W;418 c1150-1W; 157057
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Disclosure of information Chemical weapons Biological weapons Freight Ports Security
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk