To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the benefits to the UK arising from those additional security restrictions on the number of pieces of hand baggage for passengers departing UK airports which are not applied to passengers arriving in the UK on flights from overseas countries. (143737)

The UK limit on the number of items of cabin baggage permitted was introduced as part of a package of security measures which has enabled airlines to keep flying safely in the face of a very serious and continuing threat. Like all security measures, it is being kept under review and will be maintained only for as long as it is necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what comparative research his Department has assessed on the level of security and hand baggage restrictions in place in UK airports and those in (a) other EU countries and (b) the US. (143966)

UK restrictions on the size and number of items of cabin baggage permitted are part of a package of security measures reflecting the higher level of threat currently facing the UK compared to other states. The UK is aligned with other EU member states and the US on the controls limiting liquids being carried through airport search points. Research continues, with international partners, to quantify the security benefits of limiting the size of cabin baggage. Like all security measures, the limit on the number of cabin bags is being kept under review and will be maintained only for as long as is necessary.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has had from business leaders on the security and hand baggage restrictions on UK air travellers. (143968)

The Secretary of State has received written representations from various business representatives, drawing his attention to the impact the restriction on the number of items of hand baggage is having on UK air travellers. The current security regulations remain under constant review and we have made clear our readiness to remove the one bag limit once the aviation industry has demonstrated its collective ability to deliver effective security without it.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the effect of security regulations for UK air travellers on (a) UK business competitiveness and (b) London's status as a global financial centre. (143969)

The Secretary of State for Transport is in regular contact with all his Cabinet colleagues.

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the impact on the UK aviation industry of the additional security regulations for air travellers. (143970)

The current security regulations are necessary to manage the very real threat and are kept under constant review to ensure that they remain necessary and proportionate. We are in close consultation with the industry to ensure that the measures are capable of being delivered for as long as is necessary.