British International Helicopters

HC Deb 12 May 1992 vol 207 cc74-5W

Mr. David Porter

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will carry out an inquiry in his Department to assess the role of the Department at the time when the late Robert Maxwell acquired British International Helicopters; and if he will make a statement about what he now intends to do to help British International Helicopters staff.

Mr. Norris

I see no need for an inquiry. British International Helicopters—BIH—formerly British Airways Helicopters Limited—BAHL—a subsidiary of British Airways, was sold in September 1986. The decision to sell BAHL and the details of the negotiations were commercial matters for the British Airways Board.

British International Helicopters is presently in joint administration and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on how the administrator is pursuing his responsibilities.