§ 43. Mr. Berryasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation what is the average flying time from Croydon to Le Bourget; what are the respective times for the transport of passengers from London to Croydon and from Le Bourget to Paris; and what steps he proposes to take to reduce the time of road transport from London to Croydon.
§ Mr. LindgrenThe average flying time from Croydon to Le Bourget is about 90 minutes, but there are no regular scheduled services now operating from Croydon. I have no detailed information about the transportation of the passengers to Croydon and from Le Bourget to Paris for which each operator is responsible.
§ Mr. BerryWill my hon. Friend look into the question of a helicopter service between the airports and the cities in order to improve the overall time, which is out of all ratio to the flying time?
§ Mr. LindgrenThe general question of the transportation of passengers from a city centre to an airport is receiving constant attention.
§ Mr. TeelingDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that what the hon. Member is probably trying to get at is to hurry up the period of non-flying time? Would it not be far better to hurry up the time taken up through the Customs, the inspection of visas and so on? That sort of thing takes about an hour.
§ Mr. LindgrenIn so far as the latter part is concerned, everything possible is being done, but I am certain that this House would require that the Customs, health and immigration officials should, do their work thoroughly for the protection of the general public.
§ Mr. BerryIs my hon. Friend aware that I do not require any assistance from the other side in regard to my questions.