HC Deb 06 February 1957 vol 564 cc425-6
23. Mr. Peyton

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what consideration he has given to the provision of adequate helicopter facilities in London and other centres.

Mr. Watkinson

My Department has investigated a number of possible sites in the London area, but a decision cannot be taken until more is known about the operating characteristics of twin-engined transport helicopters now under development, and the extent of the demand. Outside London the provision of air stations will be primarily the concern of local authorities, but my Department will continue to supply technical data as it becomes available.

Mr. Peyton

I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend for that reply. In view of the considerable progress and development of helicopters, will he get in touch with producers and make sure that this country does not lag behind or inhibit development by failing to foresee our needs in this respect? Would he not accept that this country with its great density of population is eminently fitted for the use of helicopters on a very wide scale?

Mr. Watkinson

I quite agree with my hon. Friend. What he has said is most important. We are keeping closely in touch, but the difficulty is that what looks like the first really efficient passenger-carrying helicopter is, I am afraid, still some years away.

Mr. Lipton

Has the idea of a helicopter landing stage on the River Thames definitely been abandoned? That would provide an opportunity for landing facilities in the heart of London.

Mr. Watkinson

No, it has not been abandoned.