§ Mr. Wattsasked the Secretary of State for Transport whether he intends to issue a direction to the Civil Aviation Authority in respect of the Heathrow to Gatwick helicopter link; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MooreMy right hon. Friend, the then Secretary of State for Transport, announced on 6 May that he was minded to give a direction to the Civil Aviation Authority so that the helicopter service formerly operated between Heathrow and Gatwick airports by British Caledonian Airways Limited would not be allowed to recommence. Before doing so, however, he would consult the authority as required under section 6(2) of the Civil Aviation Act 1982, and his officials were writing to British Caledonian.
The Civil Aviation Authority had no points to make on the proposal that it be given such a direction. British Caledonian expressed its disappointment, and I have taken careful note of the comments made in its reply. I 38W have also taken note of the other representations that have been received: some in support of the proposed direction and others opposed to it.
Having considered these comments and representations, however, I am of the view that the environmental disturbance caused by the helicopter service cannot be justified when the alternative forms of transport between Heathrow and Gatwick airports are taken into account. I have, therefore, today directed the Civil Aviation Authority not to grant approval for British Caledonian to resume scheduled helicopter flights between Heathrow and Gatwick airports.