§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any changes are contemplated in the ownership or organisation of British Airways Helicopters Limited.
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD DRUMALBYN)British Airways Helicopters Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the British Airways Board. My honourable friend the Minister for Aerospace and Shipping is having close and continuing discussions with the Board about all aspects of the future development of their Group's activities. He has undertaken to inform the House if these discussions lead to significant policy decisions being taken about the future of the British Airways Group, or any of its major subsidiaries.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, arising out of that reply, is the Minister aware that British Airways Helicopters Limited, has, on its own, successfully pioneered many aspects of helicopter flight? Why is there any thought now to its general ownership and direction being altered?
§ LORD DRUMALBYNMy Lords, all the activities of the British Airways Board are together being examined by the Minister at the present time.
§ LORD BALFOUR OF INCHRYEMy Lords, I am sorry to press the Minister, but have the Government initiated this new inquiry into the future of British Airways Helicopters Limited? I am sure that the British Airways Helicopters Ltd. themselves have not done so.
§ LORD DRUMALBYNMy Lords, the British Airways Board reported last January on the new organisation of its services. Into the group over which it exercises direct control falls the helicopter company. Naturally all these subjects are being examined.