HC Deb 18 November 1953 vol 520 cc1703-4
16. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what progress has been made since July in arriving at a decision on the best site for a helicopter passenger station in London.

Mr. Profumo

I have nothing to add at present to the answer my right hon. Friend gave the hon. Gentleman on 21st October, 1953.

Mr. Dodds

In view of the urgency and importance of this matter and the need for some enterprise, will the hon. Gentleman say that his Department is not over-cautious and will be able to take advantage of this development in the very near future?

Mr. Profumo

I can assure the hon. Gentleman and the House that there is no lethargy here whatever. There is purely caution as airstop requirements in terms of movement area and obstruction clearances may be greatly affected by the development of such features as stub wings and rotors propelled by tip-jet units. These developments are at an early stage and a good deal of trial and error must be studied before the performance of commercial-sized helicopters can be assessed with reasonable accuracy. The results would affect not only the suitability of a particular site but also the cost.

Sir Edward Keeling

Will my hon. Friend give an assurance that the effects of helicopter noise on any houses or offices near the proposed station will be considered?

Mr. Profumo

That would be one of the matters which would certainly be considered.