§ Mr. Soamesasked the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the financial loss in terms of (a) revenue and (b) profit accruing to British Caledonian following his decision to revoke the licence to operate the helicopter airlink between Gatwick and Heathrow.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe Civil Aviation Authority estimated that the loss to British Caledonian in terms of both revenue and profit would be about £2 million to £3 million annually, but this has to be balanced against the environmental disturbance caused by the helicopter service. Moreover, in my right hon. Friend's view, the completion of the new motorway link between the two airports means that alternative fast surface links can be provided which should prove acceptable to the majority of passengers wishing to transfer between the airports.