HC Deb 12 November 1952 vol 507 cc916-7
3. Mr. A. Roberts

asked the Minister of Civil Aviation if he can now state whether a passenger helicopter service for the West Riding will be possible during the coming year.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

No, Sir. I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Renfrew, West (Mr. Maclay) on 5th March last, when he said that some years of research and development work would be required before an economic helicopter becomes available.

Mr. Roberts

Is the Minister sufficiently interested in a helicopter service for the provinces, and, if he is, can I have an assurance that the West Riding will receive consideration?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Most certainly, and I hope the time is not so distant when the preliminary research of B.E.A., the Ministry of Supply and others will lead to widespread development, but it obviously must wait until this is a safe form of transport.