§ 101. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will give a list of the official engagements of the Minister for Housing and Construction on Monday, 10th May, 1971; why a helicopter was chartered and at what cost for an official visit to Manchester, in view of the fact that a booking had been made on a scheduled flight; and what was the difference in cost between the original booking on the scheduled flight and that of the chartered helicopter.
§ Mr. AmeryAs the hon. Member will know, B.E.A. regulations for inter-Britain flights require that passengers check in 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time. On 10th May, 1971, because of traffic congestion I arrived only 15 minutes before take-off, and although the British Airport Authority were expecting me and although seats were available on the aircraft, B.E.A. declined to accept my party for travel. As I had undertaken to perform a number of scheduled appointments involving, among others, Blackburn Corporation Members and officials, I chartered a helicopter and was thus able to fulfil my programme. The difference in cost was £83.90.