§ Mr. Raymond Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will institute an examination of recent American experience, details of which have been sent to him, of the use of small helium-lifted airships, one of which is now under construction at Royal Air Force, Cardington, to display public service notices;
(2) if he will give consideration to the use of small helium-lifted airships, one type of which is under construction at the Royal Air Force, Cardington, for use in archaeological surveys, oceanic surveys and other environmental-protecting activities in the light of the document forwarded to him by the hon. Member for Ilkeston; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he will give consideration to the use of small helium-lifted airships, one type of which is now under construction at the Royal Air Force, Cardington, for use in such emergencies as observing and helping to control woodland fires, and aiding snow- or flood-bound villages, in view of the now demonstrable difference in cost-effectiveness between such airships and helicopters.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerI have not yet received the documents from the hon. Member. In any case, the activities referred to are not, in general, the direct responsibility of my Department.