§ 3. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Aviation if he will now agree to the purchase of three helicopters for British European Airways in order to allow an inter-city helicopter service to be operated.
§ The Minister of Aviation (Mr. Peter Thorneycroft)I favour the purchase of the three American Vertol 107 helicopters to allow an inter-city helicopter service to be operated in co-operation with SABENA. I am, however, discussing the terms proposed for this arrangement and B.E.A.'s future plans in relation to it before giving final approval to the purchase.
§ Mr. ChetwyndWill the right hon. Gentleman make it quite clear that the use of American helicopters, even with British engines, is an interim measure only until we have sufficiently adequate machines ourselves to take their place? Will he also say that we have to act quickly on this if we are to have an inter-city service both between cities in this country and on the short Continental routes?
§ Mr. ThorneycroftIt is just those kinds of points which I am discussing.