§ 95. Mr. Grimondasked the Minister of Civil Aviation if he will make a further statement on the development of helicopters for use in the Highlands and Islands; and what other types of aircraft are suitable for these routes.
§ Mr. ProfumoPrototypes of the twinengined Mark 3 Bristol 173 will be available to the Ministry of Supply next year and a period of development will then be required before its operational and commercial characteristics can be determined44W and its suitability for particular routes or areas assessed.
With regard to the second part of the Question, no type of aircraft currently available is better suited to routes in the Highlands and Islands than those now being used there. My right hon. Friend is, however, considering with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply what steps can be taken to assist the development of a light aircraft possessing characteristics suited to these routes and an economic performance better than that of the helicopters I have mentioned.