Written question asked by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 10 January 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 17 January 2005. It was answered by David Jamieson (Labour) on Monday, 17 January 2005 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment his Department has made of the threat to the shipping industry of a terrorist attack; what steps the Government are taking to minimise this risk; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment his Department has made of the threat to the shipping industry of a terrorist attack; what steps the Government are taking to minimise this risk; and if he will make a statement. [208000] Mr. Jamieson: Threats to the shipping industry are assessed by the intelligence agencies. Transport Security Directorate (TRANSEC) of the Department for Transport considers the assessment and implements one of the three security levels prescribed by the International Port Facility and Security Code (ISPS). The security measures required at each security level are proportionate to the threat as assessed and thereby serve to minimise potential risks to the industry. TRANSEC continues to work with industry to ensure that those requirements are proportional, pragmatic and sustainable.

Secondary information