§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister for Trade if he will seek to legislate to strengthen the safety rules for helicopters entering or leaving airports when the flight route passes over domestic and industrial buildings adjacent to the airport; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SproatHelicopters are required to observe the rules of the air and air traffic control notified in Statutory Instrument No. 1965/1980, The Air Navigation Order 1980. I am advised that these rules are adequate to ensure the safety of both helicopters and third parties on the ground.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister for Trade how many inspectors from his Department are responsible for testing the safety of helicopters operating between Aberdeen airport and the oil rigs in the North Sea; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SproatStatutory responsibility for regulating the safety of helicopters operating between Aberdeen airport and the oil rigs in the North Sea rests with the Civil Aviation Authority. I have asked the chairman to write to my hon. Friend with the information.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister for Trade (1) what further progress has been made in his investigations into the safety of helicopters flying from Aberdeen airport to and from the North Sea; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many accidents have occurred to helicopters operating between Aberdeen airport and the North Sea oil rigs in the years 1979 to 1981 and for the current year; and how many casualties were involved;
(3) if he will carry out a public inquiry into the operation of helicopters from Aberdeen airport to the oil rigs in the North Sea; and if he will make a statement.
6W
§ Mr. SproatSince January 1979 there has been one reported accident to a helicopter operating between Aberdeen airport and the North Sea oil rigs. It occurred in January 1981 and there were no casualties.
Statutory responsibility for regulating the safety of helicopters operating in the North Sea rests with the Civil Aviation Authority, which keeps safety matters constantly under review.
Over the past 12 years some eight million passengers have been carried. There have been three fatal accidents, and twenty five people have been killed. Any fatal accident is greatly to be regretted, but in comparison with any public air transport activity the safety record has been a remarkably good one.