§ 46. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation the reasons for his proposal to stop the helicopter service between London Airport and Waterloo Air Terminal.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI have taken no such decision.
§ Mr. RankinIs it the case that B.E.A. proposes to stop the service? If that is so, can the Minister say whether or not he was consulted and, if he was, what advice he gave?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterThe experimental helicopter unit of B.E.A. is operated by B.E.A. on my behalf, on payment of a grant. No application to vary the routes which are served at present has yet been made to me. I think that the hon. Member has in mind a statement in the Press, for which I am not responsible.
§ Mr. RankinThen is it the case that the statement in the Press was wrong, and that the service is not being stopped?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI merely stated that I have taken no decision in the matter. I shall no doubt consider it in the next few weeks but until I have been into the facts I cannot possibly anticipate what that decision will be.