§ 13. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Aviation if he will make a statement on the result of his consultations with Metropolitan borough councils about a helicopter station in central London.
§ Mr. J. AmeryThere have been no further consultations with the Metropolitan borough councils on this subject since the meeting on 2nd March. I accordingly have nothing to add to the Answer given to the hon. Member's Question on 5th March last.
§ Mr. LiptonIs it not a fact that the Minister of Aviation has already fixed things with the Minister of Housing and Local Government, who is to issue directions to prevent development of the Nine Elms site which may prevent it from being used as a helicopter station? Does not this indicate that the Government have already decided to press on with this proposal despite the strong representations of Lambeth Borough Council, the London County Council and other Metropolitan borough councils directly affected by this plan?
§ Mr. AmeryThere is as yet no proposal from either of the Corporations or the independents to operate a scheduled helicopter service in or out of London. If such a proposal is made, there will, of course, be ample further opportunity for all the interests concerned to express their view.
§ Mr. SnowWhen this plan is formulated, will consideration be given to the varying degrees of noise which emanate from various types of helicopter? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is evident that some manufacturers pay little or in regard to noise factors?