AN ELLESMERE Port MEP has asked transport secretary Ruth Kelly to sort out the 'chaotic state of affairs' over Manchester Airport security procedures.
Tory Sir Robert Atkins had a guided tour of airport facilities last week.
Among the points he raises are:
* The 'inconsistent basis' on which some passengers are still required to remove shoes. He says Terminal 2 wants all shoes to be removed but in Terminal 3 only one passenger in seven is asked to do so. He tells Ms Kelly: 'I was informed that the discrepancy is for DFT quota reasons.'
* Why passengers 'suddenly' have to remove their belts at security points.
* On inspecting the IRIS immigration process, designed to speed up passenger transit, he says he discovered it to be closed at 11.30am, when its official opening hours are 6am-2pm.
He tells Ms Kelly: 'When we found the official concerned at the IRIS point in the Arrivals Hall, he informed me that because of staff shortages, there was no time to process and manage further passenger involvement or use.
'What sort of crazy logic is that - to not provide the staff to solve the problem causing staff pressure in the first place?'
He adds: 'What makes this difficult to comprehend is the total inconsistency, not only between EU member states, most of whose airports operate without the restrictions that exist in the UK, but even between airports in this country.
'One US airline captain told me that this country was simply the worst in which he had to operate in terms of inconsistent administration, baffling bureaucracy and long-winded, unnecessary procedures.
'It is little wonder public understanding and toleration is wearing thin.
'They appreciate the security reasons for knives, scissors - even liquids - but are beginning to believe what is not necessary on the Continent demonstrates it is unnecessary in the UK.'
And he warns the Secretary of State: 'That way lies potential disaster. You must sort out this chaotic state of aff airs.'
