HC Deb 21 December 1983 vol 51 cc220-1W
Mr. Bidwelly

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is considering ceasing to count helicopter movements among the total aircraft movements permitted annually at Heathrow.

Mr. David Mitchell

My Department has made clear on several occasions, including the recent CAA hearing of British Caledonian and British Airways Helicopters' application for a renewal of their Heathrow-Gatwick licence, that air transport movements by helicopters would count toward the limit which will be imposed on such movements at Heathrow when the fourth terminal opens.

Mr. Bidwell

asked the Secretary of State for Transport if he is considering raising the total number of aircraft movements now permitted at Heathrow.

Mr. David Mitchell

There is no limit at present on the number of movements. The Government have made it clear that a limit of 275,000 air transport movements per annum will be imposed at Heathrow when the fourth terminal is opened in late 1985.