HC Deb 23 April 1952 vol 499 cc373-6
6. Mr. Norman Dodds

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation what progress has been made in provision for the development of inter-city helicopter travel, in view of the successful trial flights by the twin-engined twin-rotor helicopter, the Bristol Type 173, designed to carry 13 passengers.

The Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr. John Maclay)

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend, the Member for Argyll (Major McCallum) on 24th March last. No production order for this new type of helicopter can be contemplated until the programme of basic research and development flying to be undertaken with the two prototypes is further advanced.

Mr. Dodds

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the British aircraft industry states that it can produce a helicopter for almost any purpose if the necessary encouragement is given, and will the Government give that encouragement? Does he appreciate that it takes some time to prepare the sites in the centres of cities? Has any progress been made with the South Bank site?

Mr. Maclay

There must be extended research and development work before we can contemplate putting the helicopter into regular passenger use. Local authorities all over the country have been asked, as the hon. Member knows, to earmark sites for future development.

7. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation if he will reconsider the official term "Airstop" for helicopter passenger stations, with a view to its substitution by the more appropriate name "Helidrome."

Mr. Maclay

No, Sir. The term "Airstop" seems to me both simple and appropriate.

Mr. Dodds

Although the hon. Gentleman may think that, is he aware that national newspapers are making use of a more appropriate term "Helidrome"? What does "Airstop" mean?

Mr. Maclay

I doubt if "Helidrome" is technically the correct word. Whatever decision may be made about names, there will be a lot of discussion for many years to come as to what is the right one to use and I am quite certain that in the long run a satisfactory name will be evolved.

Mr. F. Beswick

Is the Minister aware that the rest of the House will agree with him that when a Government Department uses good, short, descriptive Anglo-Saxon, it is much better than bastard Greek?

9. Wing Commander Eric Bullus

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation if he is now able to make a statement about the possible use of the South Bank as an air terminus for helicopters.

Mr. Maclay

I have at present nothing to add to the replies I made to my hon. and gallant Friend on 26th March and the hon. Member for Dartford (Mr. Dodds) on 27th February last.

Wing Commander Bullus

When does my hon. Friend expect to make a statement? Can he say anything about the success or otherwise of the trials that have already been held?

Mr. Maclay

There has only been one flight so far, and it was successful. It is much too early to say when I shall be able to make a statement.

Lieut.-Colonel Marcus Lipton

Has the Minister any figures worked out yet to show how much it will cost to put an airstop on the South Bank?

Mr. Maclay

No, Sir.

11. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation how soon the Bristol 173 helicopter will be available for Birmingham to London regular fare-paying flights; and similar flights on a triangular service, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool.

Mr. Maclay

While experimental passenger services between Birmingham and London operated with the Bristol 173 are contemplated when it is ready for commercial use, a considerable amount of development flying has yet to be done before it will qualify for a Certificate of Airworthiness and services can be planned with any certainty.

Mr. Nabarro

Can my hon. Friend give any indication whatever of the further delay which is likely to occur in this matter, and does he realise that the United Kingdom, while leading the world in jet airliner development, is years behind the United States of America, which already has thousands of helicopters in daily use? Why are we allowing ourselves to fall farther behind?

Mr. Maclay

Developing a new type of helicopter in this country is bound to be a long process. Effective work has already been done, but as I have said before, the experimental or development period must take time.

Mr. John Rankin

Are the possibilities of this aircraft for Scottish internal services being kept in mind?

Mr. Maclay

We are bound to keep that in mind at all times.

Mr. I. Mikardo

Will the Minister, in his proper concern for the use of good English terms, resist the monstrous habit that is growing up in aviation of referring to a helicopter as a "helibus"?

12. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation whether he will make a statement upon the experimental helicopter service operated during the period June, 1951, to March, 1952, between Birmingham and London; what forced landing or mishaps occurred; and whether ample data upon inter-town helicopter passenger traffic has now been assembled.

Mr. Maclay

Yes, Sir. As the answer is rather long and detailed, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Nabarro

Would my hon. Friend make one point quite clear: that the discontinuance of this service between Birmingham and London is in no way associated with inefficiency of the service and that it was inaugurated only for an experimental period and, for that purpose, provided the operating company with adequate data on which to base further services in the future?

Mr. Maclay

The service was certainly inaugurated for experimental work and to see what the conditions would be working between Birmingham and London. Very valuable experience has been gained from it.

Following is the statement: In the period June, 1951—31st March, 1952, British European Airways scheduled 802 passenger flights between Birmingham and London; 623 flights carrying 1,087 passengers were operated and 179 were cancelled, giving 77.5 per cent. regularity of service. The cancellations were principally due to bad weather but a few were caused by engine trouble. One forced landing occurred on 27th June, 1951, en route between Birmingham and London as a result of engine failure. The occupants were uninjured and the aircraft, which was considerably damaged, has since been restored to service. During these operations valuable information on the problems peculiar to the commercial operation of helicopters has been obtained. Services with single-engined aircraft, however, must not be operated over built-up areas or in bad weather or bad visibility. Experience with the experimental use of the twin-engined Bristol 173 is necessary before the operational and other requirements of intercity helicopter passenger traffic can be fully assessed. Experience already gained has helped B.E.A. to produce an outline specification of a fully economic large type helicopter and also to work out, in conjunction with my Department and the Ministry of Supply, the future programme of development work which must precede regular commercial operations.