§ 32. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Aviation if he will make a statement on the progress made in the development of city centre to city centre helicopter passenger services in the United Kingdom; and what are the prospects for London in this connection.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Bosworth (Mr. Wyatt) on 20th February.
§ Mr. DoddsIn view of the optimistic Report of the Inter-Departmental Helicopter Committee in 1951 and the progress made with helicopters in other countries, is it not most unsatisfactory that practically nothing has been done here in the past ten years? In view of the fact that we cannot enter the space race or send a man to the moon, would it not be some consolation if we could have at least an inter-city service between Manchester and London? Can we not see some enterprise from the Government in this vitally important matter?
§ Mr. RipponI think we must accept that it will be some time before we can have an economic inter-city helicopter service. I am aware of the services there 24 are abroad, but almost all of them are very heavily subsidised.
§ Mr. ChetwyndCan the hon. Gentleman say what is holding up this development and when a decision will be taken on the use of the Fairey Rotodyne and what assistance is being given B.E.A. to operate this service?
§ Mr. RipponNothing is holding up progress. On the Rotodyne I have nothing to add to the reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member on 6th March.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIf nothing is holding up progress, how can the hon. Gentleman explain why nothing has happened?
§ Mr. RipponQuite a deal is happening.
§ Mr. DoddsWhere? In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.