HC Deb 19 March 1969 vol 780 cc459-61
1. Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the high cost of construction, and high cost of operation and maintenance of major airports, unless used to capacity, if, in conjunction with the inquiry on the Third London Airport, he will institute a survey on the rôle of feeder line, and city centre to city centre short take-off and landing and vertical take-off and landing, air services in order to give advice to local authorities wishing to develop air transport facilities.

14. Mr. Fortescue

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to enourage the establishment of commercial vertical take-off and landing or short take-off and landing air services from city centre to city centre in this country.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. William Rodgers)

The Board of Trade is associated in a great deal of work on the problems of developing acceptable VTOL and STOL aircraft. But, as it is likely to be a decade before services with such aircraft can make a significant contribution, it is too soon to contemplate a survey from which helpful advice could emerge.

Mr. Osborn

Any guidance that can be given to a city such as Sheffield will be greatly appreciated. What evidence will the Minister give in connection with the needs of major towns and cities to the study of European VTOL studies now being carried out for the Ministry of Technology by Brian Colquhoun and Partners? What part is the Ministry taking in this study?

Mr. Rodgers

Our concern is with the operational possibilities of these aircraft. Very real difficulties have to be overcome, particularly in respect of noise. To the best of our knowledge, there are no scheduled helicopter services operating economically anywhere in the world. We are anxious to see the services developed and we shall give as much advice as we can.

Mr. Fortescue

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many do not agree with him that it will be a decade before these services will be practicable? Does he know that a heliport is to be built in Dublin Docks before the end of this year? Will he encourage other cities with large dock sites, such as Liverpool, to establish heliports in their areas?

Mr. Rodgers

I hope these heliports will be developed more rapidly. We are considering not only helicopters but also more sophisticated forms of VTOL aircraft. We shall give help, but it must be borne in mind that helicopters have not generally proved economical.

Mr. Corfield

Is not the hon. Gentleman showing a rather curious sense of priorities in starting a study of European VTOL sites without looking at British VTOL sites, indeed without any apparent financial support for an advanced study of fixed-wing VTOL aircraft?

Mr. Rodgers

The Ministry of Technology is concerned with the development of aircraft. Questions should be addressed to that Ministry. We are not dragging our feet. This is a practical technical problem. We want to get the aircraft as soon as possible, but obviously the most suitable sites will depend on the operational characteristics of the aircraft.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

Will something be done to improve rail access to existing airports, such as Heathrow, where there is a goods development?

Mr. Rodgers

My hon. Friend mentions something which is very much in our minds.

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