HL Deb 12 May 1986 vol 474 c1025WA
Lord Chelwood

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they propose to announce the renewal of the helicopter link between Heathrow and Gatwick and whether they will encourage the early opening of a heliport in London with links to Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (The Earl of Caithness)

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Transport has announced that he is minded to direct the Civil Aviation Authority to revoke British Caledonian Airway's licence to operate a scheduled helicopter service between Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Before doing so, however, he is consulting the authority as required under Section 6(2) of the Civil Aviation Act 1982.

The need for, and provision of, heliport facilities in London is for commercial operators to determine. There is currently a public inquiry into planning applications for a heliport at Chambers Wharf, near Tower Bridge.