§ 30. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Aviation what is the outcome of the recent talks between his Department and the helicopter industry and civil operators concerning the future programme for large transport helicopters.
§ Mr. RipponDiscussions with manufacturers and operators about development programmes are very frequent. I have no statement to make about any particular talks on large transport helicopters.
§ Mr. ChetwyndHas the Minister read the last report of the Westland Helicopter Company? Has his attention been drawn to the fact that we are falling behind in this race for a large-scale transport helicopter because of a lack of decision as to which one, of three, the firms should concentrate on? What are the airline companies and corporations doing about their plans for a helicopter service?
§ Mr. RipponI have read the report, but I do not accept that we are falling behind.