HC Deb 19 December 1972 vol 848 c349W
Dr. David Owen

asked the Minister of State for Defence why, in view of the objections of the Plymouth City Council to a helicopter landing site at Raglan Barracks, he now intends to put a helicopter landing site near Military Road.

Mr. Buck

There is no plan to provide a new helicopter landing site in the area of Raglan Barracks/Military Road. The landing site in this area is on the east side of Military Road, and has been in existence for some years. We wish to improve the facilities it provides for helicopters engaged on emergency tasks. We have replied to the city council on the points it raised on our proposals, and await the results of this.

Dr. David Owen

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will establish an independent planning inquiry in Plymouth similar to those which have been established in cases where civilian helicopter sites have been proposed to be sited in urban areas and where the public, the local authority, and other interested parties can voice their objections and raise detailed questions as to the need for the landing site, and the environmental consequences of flying helicopters from such a site.

Mr. Buck

No. There is no proposal for the siting of a new helicopter landing area in Plymouth. The improvement of an existing site is currently under discussion with the local authorities. It would not in any case be appropriate for the Ministry of Defence to hold a public inquiry into this matter.