Clause 1 - Arrest without warrant
Aviation (Offences) Bill
Ms Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Labour)
I also welcome the Bill and the clause. Air safety is close to my heart because, as the Minister is aware, the Scottish air traffic control centre is located in my constituency—indeed, I hope that the new Scottish air traffic control system will also be located there soon—and Glasgow Prestwick airport is notable for the many low-cost flights that it has attracted in recent years.
Hon. Members have inferred that low-cost flights may have a particular problem with air rage. My hon. Friend the Member for Motherwell and Wishaw is correct; so-called air rage has come to the fore in recent years and it has emerged as a substantial potential threat to air safety. I have consulted the management at Glasgow Prestwick airport and I emphasise that although air rage is a problem, it is not a common, everyday occurrence. It is not any more noticeable on the low-cost airlines than it is on other airlines. In fact, it could be argued that charter flights are more of a problem in that regard. Notwithstanding that, the management at Glasgow Prestwick airport recognise the problem and strongly support the Bill. They do so principally because they believe that it is absolutely essential that the police have the powers necessary to deal with the problem when it arises, and are able to arrest where appropriate. Obviously, they do not have the power at the moment to deal with such antisocial behaviour as far as air travel is concerned.
I also believe that there is a deterrence aspect to the Bill. If people believe that the police are not in a position to deal with the matter appropriately, there is obviously little deterrence in place. With those short comments, Miss Widdecombe, I welcome the Bill and congratulate my hon. Friend.
3 pm