Isles of Scilly: Helicopter Services Debate

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Department: Department for Transport

Isles of Scilly: Helicopter Services

Lord Davies of Oldham Excerpts
Wednesday 24th October 2012

(11 years, 9 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Earl Attlee Portrait Earl Attlee
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My Lords, we could make a public service obligation if the market failed. The market has not yet failed. In addition, there would have to be a competitive bidding process. We do not want to interfere at this point because we want to see whether there will be a commercial solution to the problem.

Lord Davies of Oldham Portrait Lord Davies of Oldham
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My Lords, the Minister has given some encouraging news about the increase in services, but he will appreciate that the House is still greatly exercised about communication with the Scilly Isles, particularly during winter. If we find that the Scilly Isles are effectively cut off for a number of days in winter, I hope that the Minister will return to this issue and take some action.

Earl Attlee Portrait Earl Attlee
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My Lords, I assure the House that my honourable friend Mr Norman Baker takes these matters very seriously and is on the case.