To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what recent discussions he has had with the European Commission on the introduction of additional security measures at UK airports. (310286)

Department for Transport officials attended a special meeting of the EU’s Regulatory Committee for Civil Aviation Security in Brussels on 7 January 2010, at which there was discussion about the current security situation and possible responses to the incident that took place on 25 December 2009. They are keeping in regular touch with senior officials in the European Commission.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what recent discussions he has had with representatives of airlines on security training for check-in staff; and whether he plans to introduce requirements for additional security training for such check-in staff. (310290)

The training of check-in staff is covered by regulations issued by the Department for Transport under the Aviation Security Act 1982. These Regulations impose mandatory training on new check-in staff, and regular refresher training for existing staff.

The UK aviation security training programme is kept under regular review, both through a departmental working group, at which key industry stakeholders are represented, and regular liaison between officials and the industry. No representations have been received seeking additional training for check-in staff and there are currently no plans to introduce any.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what assessment has been made of the potential security risks posed by long queues at airports. (310306)

The Department for Transport, together with the police and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) provide airport operators with advice on landside measures to mitigate the risk to passengers, prior to being screened at the search comb.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport whether he plans to introduce increased surveillance at airports (a) outside and (b) inside security screened areas. (310308)

Robust measures are in place, as a component of the National Aviation Security Programme. These measures are always subject to review, if necessary.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport whether he plans to introduce new security measures at airports outside the security screened area. (310309)

Robust measures are in place, as a component of the National Aviation Security Programme. These measures are always subject to review, if necessary.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what recent steps have been taken to increase the security of airport perimeters. (310310)

Robust measures are in place, as a component of the National Aviation Security Programme. These measures are always subject to review, if necessary.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport pursuant to the Secretary of State’s contribution of 5 January 2010, Official Report, House of Lords, column 42, on terrorism: aviation and border security, whether funds from his Department's budget have been allocated to other countries to assist the improvement of airport security in the last five years. (310311)

Funds from the Department for Transport’s budget have been and continue to be allocated to assist the improvement of aviation security in other countries. The Department has officials who are fully engaged in international and European fora developing and improving aviation security. In addition since 2002 the Department has had a network of five regional aviation security liaison officers (RASLOs) who are tasked to provide advice and assistance on aviation security throughout Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport whether his Department has had discussions with its overseas counterparts on the introduction of body scanners at airports which have services to the UK. (310313)

The Department for Transport has held discussions with its counterparts overseas on the introduction of body scanners at airports, including those which have flights to the UK. The most detailed discussions have been with the EU and with the USA.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport pursuant to his oral statement of 5 January 2010, Official Report, columns 28-32, on aviation and border security, what equipment his Department classifies as explosive trace detection equipment. (310342)

The Department for Transport classifies explosive trace detection as a technique/technology that has the capability to detect particulate or vapour of an explosive material.

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what steps his Department is taking to prevent suicide bomb attacks on aeroplanes by people prepared to ingest explosives or have them surgically implanted. (310355)

The Department for Transport is keeping all potential threats to aviation under review, in close co-operation with European and international partners.