§ Mr. Llewellynasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation the number of passengers carried on the helicopter service, since its inauguration, between Cardiff, Wrexham and Liverpool; and whether he will give an estimate of the profit or loss incurred.
§ Mr. BeswickI am informed that in June, 1950, the first month the service has operated, 63 passengers were carried from Cardiff to Liverpool and 57 in the reverse direction. No calls were made during this period at Wrexham. Figures for July are not yet available. The service is running at a substantial loss, which cannot reliably be estimated. Most of this loss is a necessary part of the cost of gaining practical experience of operating the helicopter.