§ Mr. Masonasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent the development and production of the Fairey Rotodyne and Westland Westminster helicopters are going to be retarded by official failure to introduce inter-city helicopter services in this country; and what action he is taking to speed up this development.
§ Mr. WatkinsonNot at all, as I am advised that the further operation of inter-city services with the single-engined equipment available would not contribute to the development of these twin-engined helicopters. As regards the second part of the Question, the Government are considering with the manufacturers the best 101W means of furthering the Rotodyne project. I understand that the development of the Westminster is proceeding satisfactorily as a private venture.