§ Mr. Bruceasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make it his policy to ensure that employees of British Airways Helicopters are given an opportunity to buy out the company; and if he will make a statement;
382W(2) if he will take steps to ensure that the proposed sale of British Airways Helicopters does not proceed before consultations with the work force have taken place;
(3) if he will make a statement about the future of British Airways Helicopters;
(4) what representations he has received about the proposed sale by British Airways of British Airways Helicopters; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerThe board of British Airways has taken the view that it is in its commercial interest to dispose of British Airways Helicopters as that business is not in the mainstream of its activities. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport has agreed to this in principle. The British Airways Board is bound to inform him when it has a fully formulated proposal for the sale of the company; but at this stage negotiations are entirely a matter for the board. I understand from British Airways that negotiations are continuing but that no agreement has been reached. I also understand that consultations with the unions are in progress and that outline details of a possible proposal have been explained to employees. The unions therefore have the opportunity to make known any interest employees may have in taking a stake in the company.
A number of hon. Members have inquired about the proposed disposal of British Airways Helicopters, but no other representations have been received.