By Martin Banks - 1st February 2011
We would expect the present law to be upheld and enforced
Brian Simpson
The chairman of parliament's transport committee has voiced concern that the planned date for a partial lifting of the ban on liquids on flights in Europe will not be met.
UK Socialist deputy Brian Simpson says he is "frustrated" at a possible delay to the lifting of the restrictions this spring.
He said, "Unfortunately there is a 'political' game going on at the moment involving some member states, some airports and the wider aviation industry."
The current ban on passengers carrying liquids, aerosols and gels through EU airports is being phased out.
EU rules adopted last year state that by 29 April, liquids, aerosols and gels obtained at a third country airport, or on board an aircraft of a non-EU air carrier, will be permitted into security restricted areas and on board an aircraft, on condition "that the liquid is packed in a bag that conforms to the recommended security control guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organisation."
The rules say a bag must also display satisfactory proof of purchase within the preceding 36 hours either airside, at the airport, or on board the aircraft.
By 29 April 2013, when the ban is due to be lifted entirely, all airports must have the capability to screen liquids, aerosols and gels.
Methods for testing liquid screening equipment were devised by the European civil aviation conference (ECAC) over two years ago and member states have tested equipment to detect explosive liquids in line with ECAC's procedures.
The European commission has confirmed that 10 pieces of equipment have been proven to meet EU standards and additional tests, including the testing of more advanced equipment, are currently taking place.
The results are expected at some stage this month.
However, Simpson says he is concerned that the April deadline for a partial lifting of the restrictions will not be met.
He said, "When agreeing to the regulations to impose certain restrictions on liquids and gels, parliament made it very clear that it wanted transit restrictions lifted by April 2011 and the liquids ban lifted by April 2013.
"As far as I am aware that still remains parliament's position and we would expect the present law to be upheld and enforced by both member states and the commission.
"What is frustrating for me is that valuable time is being lost whilst these arguments continue between all sides when we know both dates are fast approaching.
"As it stands the law is very clear and must be upheld by everyone, and I believe parliament would take a dim view of any attempts to undermine the regulation as it stands.
"We would always, on a proposal from the commission, look again at the issue, but without such a proposal we cannot change the present regulation."
