§ 70. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Minister of Supply what steps he is taking to encourage the development of a safe and economic passenger-carrying helicopter.
§ Mr. W. J. TaylorMy right hon. Friend has been giving direct or indirect support to the development of three helicopters, which may serve to carry passengers safely and economically.86W (1) The Fairey Rotodyne, which is intended to carry 40 passengers over a range of about 200 miles, and its Napier Eland engines. Most of the cost of development of the airframe and the engine has been borne by the Ministry of Supply and we propose to continue to support their further development if the companies concerned show their faith in the project by an adequate measure of private investment. We are awaiting their proposals. (2) The Westland Westminster, which is being developed as a private venture to carry a similar number of passengers over a slightly shorter range, makes use of another version of the same Napier Eland engine. (3) The Bristol 192 helicopter, which we are developing and producing for the Royal Air Force, could also be developed for civil purposes.