HC Deb 06 December 1971 vol 827 cc205-6W
52. Mr. Raymond Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether, in view of current developments in the construction of safe helium airships, consideration is being given to seeking to amend the Civil Aviation (Licensing) Act so that public service messages may be displayed from such aircraft on flights in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Corfield

No. The Civil Aviation (Aerial Advertising) Regulations, 1961 already permit the use of airships for the emission or display of communications for life-saving, civil defence, military or police purposes.

81. Mr. Raymond Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will examine the potentialities and possible public services uses of helium airships, in view of the fact that such an airship is now under construction at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Cardington.

Mr. Corfield

This is an interesting project but it would be for potential operators to judge whether commercial services are a practical possibility.