To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to ensure that the level of security checking required for airside airport staff by his Department is the same as that required for Criminal Records Bureau checks. (93682)

The level of security checking for airside staff exceeds that which a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check on its own could provide. The Department mandates a regime which involves the confirmation of identity via an acceptable document, such as a valid passport, and verification of references for the past five years, including any gaps. This is supported by a check of unspent criminal records, available from the Criminal Records Bureau’s equivalent agency in Scotland. Additionally, airport staff who undertake a security duty, such as searching and screening passengers and baggage, are subject to national security vetting to counter-terrorist check level.