HC Deb 29 June 1955 vol 543 cc371-2
5. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what consideration has been given in recent months to the provision of helicopter passenger stations on or near the River Thames in London; and what progress has been made in respect to short- and long-term plans for the development of this form of travel.

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. John Boyd-Carpenter)

I am discussing with the Port of London Authority and the London County Council the possibility of constructing a landing platform on the Thames for use by helicopters when the South Bank Air Station ceases to be available.

During this summer, British European Airways expect to operate services between London Airport and the South Bank and also between Gatwick (where the helicopters are based) and London Airport. Silver City Airways Ltd. have been given conditional approval to operate helicopter services between Ferryfield and Ostend, Calais, Le Touquet, and Boulogne when this becomes commercially practicable in the company's judgment.

Mr. Dodds

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that, with the progress being made in the development of helicopters, the information he has now given will give some impetus to others to look into this question?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I am anxious that the helicopter should be developed as quickly as possible. As I think the hon. Gentleman, who knows a good deal about this matter, appreciates, we are dependent for large-scale future development on the development of a reliable twin-engined machine.

6. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation how many local authorities have sought advice from his Department concerning inter-city helicopter services; and what assistance is given to them in this connection.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

About 80 local authorities have sought advice, most of them about the reservation of suitable sites for future air stations. All the available information has been given about site requirements. Eight authorities have specially mentioned their interest in inter-city helicopter services, and as this is a matter for the airline operators, British European Airways and the British Independent Air Transport Association have been informed of these inquiries.