Written question asked by Patrick Mercer (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 July 2004. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Thursday, 22 July 2004 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he expects that, by 1st July, sufficient UK ports will have radiation detection equipment to satisfy the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

Answer: Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he expects that, by 1 July, sufficient UK ports will have radiation detection equipment to satisfy the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. [184603] Mr. Jamieson: The majority of UK ports (including all major and high risk ports) handling international shipping are compliant with the Government's mandated ISPS security requirements. Her Majesty's Customs and Excise are implementing 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. To date, 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 complete by March 2007.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 424 c657W;424 c658W; 184603
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Codes of practice Equipment Ports Radioactive materials Terrorism Screening Security Smuggling
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk