UK privacy settings and procedures for operating the body scanners in UK airports

Dear Home Office,

We are writing to make a request under the Freedom of Information
Act regarding the information about the UK privacy settings and
procedures for operating the body scanners recently implemented at
Heathrow and Manchester airports.

1. Was any consideration given to setting the scanners at the
higher privacy-enhancing levels, such as those see in Schiphol in
the Netherlands? Who made this decision, and for what reason?

2. What are the potential health hazards associated with the body
scanners, and how do these hazards affect both travellers and
operators of the scanners. What research and investigation was
undertaken into these hazards before the implementation?

3. As regards the procedures under which the scanners are run, what
training and checks (ie. CRB) do the operators receive?

4. How are people selected to undergo the body scans, and what
steps are taken to ensure this is done in a non-discriminatory
manner?

Yours faithfully,

Jessica Lavery, Sarah Smith and Karola Berger

Dear Home Office,

I am writing to follow up on a FOIA request made on 8 February 2010
regarding the privacy and health implications of the body scanners
in UK airports which has not been responded to or acknowledged.
Please see a copy of the original request below.

Your timely attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Yours faithfully,

Jessica Lavery

8 February 2010
Dear Home Office,

We are writing to make a request under the Freedom of Information
Act regarding the information about the UK privacy settings and
procedures for operating the body scanners recently implemented at
Heathrow and Manchester airports.

1. Was any consideration given to setting the scanners at the
higher privacy-enhancing levels, such as those see in Schiphol in
the Netherlands? Who made this decision, and for what reason?

2. What are the potential health hazards associated with the body
scanners, and how do these hazards affect both travellers and
operators of the scanners. What research and investigation was
undertaken into these hazards before the implementation?

3. As regards the procedures under which the scanners are run, what
training and checks (ie. CRB) do the operators receive?

4. How are people selected to undergo the body scans, and what
steps are taken to ensure this is done in a non-discriminatory
manner?

Yours faithfully,

Jessica Lavery, Sarah Smith and Karola Berger